India's Supreme Court has shown a change of heart regarding the fate of Delhi's stray dogs. After overwhelming public outcry and protests from animal welfare advocates, a three-judge bench has modified a previous order that mandated moving all stray dogs into shelters due to rabies concerns. Instead, the court declared that non-aggressive, non-infected strays could be returned to their original locations following vaccination and sterilization.
The ruling also included a ban on feeding dogs in public areas, directing that designated spots be created for this purpose. With approximately one million strays in Delhi and neighboring cities like Noida and Gurugram, managing their health and safety is a pressing issue, as the country accounts for a significant portion of the world's rabies deaths.
Initially, a two-judge bench had expressed alarm over the rising number of dog bites and rabies cases, prompting the call for a mass gathering of strays. The abrupt policy drew fierce backlash from animal rights organizations advocating for humane treatment, which ultimately led the court to reassess its stance.
In addition, the Supreme Court has opened the door for animal lovers to adopt stray dogs through municipal channels. However, it specified that these dogs should not be returned to street life post-adoption. The court also plans to establish a national policy on managing stray dogs in light of ongoing similar issues across various states.
