Indian top court revises order on keeping collected stray dogs in Delhi shelters

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) – India's top court on Friday modified its decision earlier this month prohibiting the release of stray dogs from Delhi dog shelters, ordering that the canines be sterilized, vaccinated, and returned to the same area.

The Supreme Court said a comprehensive approach necessitates the revocation of the orders issued on August 11, which required all stray dogs in Delhi to be captured, sterilized, dewormed, immunized, and relocated to shelters.

Delhi is a city and union territory in India, containing the capital, New Delhi.

"In no circumstances should these stray dogs, after their relocation, be once again released back onto the streets," the court order said.

The modified order now requires that "the dogs that are picked up" be sterilized, dewormed, vaccinated, and returned to the same location from which they were picked up.

The rule exempts dogs that are infected with rabies or suspected of being infected with rabies, as well as those that exhibit aggressive behavior.

The court has proposed broadening the scope of the ruling throughout the country.

The modified rules also prohibit feeding stray dogs on the street, allowing it only in designated feeding areas.

PETA India, an animal rights organization, described the decision as proof that the majority of people regard dogs as "beloved neighbors and friends" on the US social media company X.

Leader of the opposition Congress party, Rahul Gandhi, welcomed the revised stray dog guidelines on X, stating: "It marks a progressive step toward balancing animal welfare and public safety."

"The approach is both compassionate and rooted in scientific reasoning," he added.

Gandhi had earlier this month described the court's original decision as "a step back from decades of humane, science-backed policy."

Millions of dogs walk through the streets of India.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India accounts for 36% of all rabies deaths.