India’s top court orders release of sterilised stray dogs

NEW DELHI: India’s Supreme Court on Friday ordered the release of stray dogs recently picked up in Delhi and surrounding areas, provided they undergo sterilisation and immunisation. 

The decision amends an earlier directive and broadens the scope of the case to pave the way for a nationwide policy on stray dogs.

The earlier relocation order had drawn criticism, with animal rights groups warning of poor infrastructure, inadequate treatment facilities, and risks of overcrowded shelters. Many animal lovers took to the streets to protest against the order.

The initial shelter directive was prompted after media reports highlighted rising rabies cases, particularly among children.

On Friday, the court said that dogs picked up in the past few weeks in Delhi and its suburbs would be released after sterilisation and immunisation, barring those showing aggressive behaviour or rabies infections.

A three-judge panel of the court said the scope of the case would be expanded across India and the court would formulate a uniform policy for all stray dogs soon.

In April, the government said nearly 430,000 dog bite incidents were reported nationwide in January, against 3.7 million cases in all of 2024.

India has 52.5 million stray dogs, a survey of homeless pets by Mars Petcare has shown, with 8 million homeless canines in shelters.

Media reports suggest Delhi alone has 1 million stray dogs. Reuters could not independently verify the figure.

To curb public feeding of stray dogs, the court also directed the setting-up of designated zones.