Supreme Court Revises Stray Dog Policy: Uniform Guidelines, ₹2,500 Crore Fund Announced
New Delhi, August 23:
In a significant judgment with nationwide implications, the Supreme Court of India has revised its policy on the management of stray dogs. The apex court has ruled that sterilized, vaccinated, and dewormed stray dogs may be returned to their original locations under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) framework, while aggressive or rabid dogs will not be released into public spaces. The decision aims to bring uniformity to stray animal management across the country and strike a balance between public safety and animal welfare.
Details of the Judgment
A bench of the Supreme Court directed all states and union territories to adopt a standardized approach based on the ABC Rules. The Court emphasized that while sterilization and vaccination are crucial for controlling the stray dog population, humane treatment of animals must remain central to the policy.
The order further clarified that local municipal bodies, state governments, and animal welfare organizations must work in coordination to ensure effective implementation. Any sterilized or vaccinated dog is to be released back into its original territory, preventing displacement and territorial conflicts among canine groups.
Importantly, the Court also ruled that stray dogs showing aggression or signs of rabies should be kept out of public areas. Such animals are to be shifted to shelters, quarantine centers, or veterinary facilities for treatment and care.
Financial Allocation
To support the large-scale sterilization and vaccination program, the government has allocated a nationwide fund of ₹2,500 crore. This funding will be used to:
- Establish and upgrade sterilization and vaccination centers
- Strengthen municipal veterinary infrastructure.
- Train personnel for animal handling and welfare.
- Procure vaccines, medicines, and sterilization equipment.
- Build awareness campaigns on responsible pet ownership and feeding of strays.
The Court directed that utilization of these funds must be transparent and subject to regular audits. States have been asked to submit progress reports to ensure accountability.
Background of the Issue
Stray dog management has been a contentious subject in India for decades. With an estimated 15–20 million stray dogs, India faces one of the highest street dog populations in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 36% of global rabies deaths occur in India, primarily due to dog bites.
At the same time, animal rights groups have consistently opposed culling and advocated for sterilization-based population control. Several states have witnessed public protests, both from residents demanding safer streets and from activists pushing for animal welfare.
The ABC program, first introduced in the early 2000s, sought to sterilize and vaccinate stray dogs instead of killing them. However, implementation has been uneven across cities, with limited funding and inadequate facilities. The Supreme Court’s ruling is now seen as an attempt to streamline and strengthen this program nationwide.
Reactions
Animal welfare organizations welcomed the judgment, calling it a humane and progressive step. The People for Animals (PFA) foundation said the order “recognizes the rights of animals to live without cruelty while also addressing human concerns.”
However, some citizens’ groups expressed concerns over public safety. In recent years, stray dog attacks, particularly involving children and the elderly, have made headlines in Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Critics argue that releasing sterilized dogs back onto the streets may not fully prevent attacks.
Municipal officials, meanwhile, have pointed to practical challenges. Many cities face shortages of veterinarians, lack of sterilization facilities, and limited public awareness. Experts say effective implementation will depend not only on funds but also on strong coordination among government bodies.
Way Forward
The success of the policy will hinge on large-scale sterilization drives, widespread vaccination, and proper record-keeping. Experts recommend:
- Data-driven tracking: Microchipping and tagging sterilized dogs to avoid duplication.
- Public engagement: Encouraging citizens to participate in feeding responsibly and reporting unsterilized dogs.
- Stronger infrastructure: Setting up dedicated veterinary hospitals and mobile units.
- Education campaigns: Promoting responsible pet ownership to prevent abandonment of dogs on streets.
The Supreme Court has asked states to submit status reports in the coming months, which will serve as a test of the policy’s ground-level effectiveness.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s revised stray dog policy represents a balancing act between animal welfare and public safety. By mandating sterilization and vaccination under the ABC framework and providing a substantial fund of ₹2,500 crore, the Court has laid down a roadmap for humane and systematic management of stray dogs.
