'Happy but...': SC stay on stray dog order sparks mixed reactions

The Supreme Court’s decision on Friday to put a hold on its earlier directive regarding the release and feeding of stray dogs has relief across the country.

The Court also ruled that sterilised and vaccinated dogs should be returned to their original neighbourhoods, with aggressive or rabid ones kept in isolation, and that feeding should only take place in designated zones.

Relief for some, disappointment for others

For animal lovers and welfare groups, the stay has been an unexpected setback. "We had faith that the SC would rule in our favour. You can't say that any and every dog is aggressive; there should be proof. We are happy with the SC order. We are happy that the court has ruled on creating designated feeding areas for dogs," said Sonali Gaba, who runs a dog shelter.

— ANI (@ANI)

Advocate Nanita Sharma, one of the petitioners called the stay "balanced."

"This is a balanced order. The court has involved all states in this case. All matters regarding dog issues pending in all courts in all states will be brought under one. They have said that regular dogs should be sterilised and aggressive dogs should be put in pounds/ animal shelters. The court has ruled that MCD will establish designated feeding areas for dogs," she told ANI.



“Children and elderly people are at risk when packs of dogs roam freely. The stay gives us some breathing space,” a resident from Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar told the media outlet.


Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh maintained that while his corporation had already been following sterilisation and release protocols, the stay order highlighted the need for clearer definitions of what constitutes an “aggressive” dog.

BJP MP and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi also said she was pleased. “I am very happy with this scientific judgement. Relocation and fear are the only reasons for dogs biting. There is no question of releasing dogs infected with rabies. The court has not defined what an aggressive dog is — this needs to be defined. It is absolutely right to create designated feeding areas, and civic authorities must also put up signboards," she said, according to a TOI report.

"The court has stated that its ruling applies throughout the country. As per the order, municipal corporations will have to set up proper Animal Birth Control centres. For the first time in 25 years, the government has stated in Parliament that it is allocating Rs 2,500 crore for this programme," she added.