Supreme Court Modifies Stray Dog Policy

The Supreme Court of India has issued a revised order for the management of stray dogs, SC aims to create a balance between public safety and animal rights. The decision came after multiple petitions highlighted the growing number of stray dog attacks in several states in India.

The SC bench observed that while citizens have the right to safety and protection from animal attacks, stray dogs too have the right to live with dignity. The Court emphasized that state governments must take proactive steps to prevent incidents without cruelty to wards the street animals.

Under the modified policy, local authorities are directed to ensure proper vaccination, sterilization, and establishment of designated shelters for stray dogs in India. The animal feeding zones will also be identified to prevent conflicts between residents and dog feeders.

The Court made it clear that removal of stray dogs is not a solution to animal attacks, and authorities should instead focus on long-term population control and awareness campaigns.

Animal welfare groups welcomed the SC ruling, calling it a human approach, while many citizens hoping for a stricter implementation of law to reduce the number of street dog attacks.

The issue of stray dogs has been due for years, while several states struggling to balance compassion for animals with the safety of the public. The Supreme Court’s latest intervention aims to provide a framework for both.