On Friday, India’s Supreme Court ordered the release of stray dogs captured in Delhi and its suburbs, following their sterilisation and immunisation. This decision amends a previous order and broadens the case’s scope to develop a nationwide strategy for stray animals.
Animal rights advocates had contested the court’s earlier decision to relocate all stray dogs to shelters in the region, after media highlighted a surge in rabies cases, notably affecting children.
The relocation plan faced backlash due to inadequate infrastructure and medical care, sparking protests from animal enthusiasts.
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The court specified that dogs captured in recent weeks would be released post-treatment, except those exhibiting aggression or rabies symptoms.
A three-judge bench announced that the case’s scope would extend nationwide, aiming to establish a uniform stray dog policy soon.
In April, the government reported nearly 430,000 dog bite incidents nationwide in January, out of 3.7 million expected in 2024.
According to a Mars Petcare survey, India has 52.5 million stray dogs, with 8 million in shelters. Reports claim Delhi houses 1 million strays, though this figure is unverified by Reuters.
To manage stray dog feeding, the court ordered the creation of designated feeding zones.
