New Stray Dog Policy: Supreme Court Humane Order, Government Action & Citizen Role

New Stray Dog Policy – In a landmark decision on August 22, 2025, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India, comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice N.V. Anjaria, revised its earlier directive on the treatment of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR. The new order replaces the previous mandate for permanent sheltering with a more humane and scientifically backed approach: sterilisation, vaccination, and controlled release under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Program.

This ruling doesn’t just apply to Delhi, it now extends across all states and union territories, marking a nationwide shift in how India balances public safety with animal welfare. The Court’s decision comes after widespread criticism of its earlier order and aims to create a compassionate, practical framework for managing stray dog populations.

Supreme Court’s New Stray Dog Policy & New Order: Humane, Scientific & Nationwide

In a major shift from its earlier directive, the Supreme Court ruled that stray dogs must not be permanently confined to shelters. Instead, they should be:

• Captured humanely
• Sterilised and vaccinated (especially against rabies)
• Released back into the same locality

This method is known as the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Program, and it’s the only lawful and humane way to manage stray dog populations in India. The Court also made it clear that:

• Rabid or aggressive dogs must be quarantined and kept in shelters.
• Public feeding of stray dogs is banned, but designated feeding zones must be created in every municipal ward.
• Dog lovers and NGOs can adopt stray dogs, but once adopted, the dogs cannot be returned to the streets.

Importantly, the Court expanded the scope of this ruling to cover all of India, and transferred similar pending cases from various High Courts to itself. This paves the way for a uniform national policy on stray dog management.

Who’s Responsible? Government Departments & Their Roles

Multiple government departments are now working together to implement the Supreme Court’s revised order:

1. Municipal Corporations & Local Bodies

• These are the primary executors of the ABC Program.
• They must set up sterilisation centres, feeding zones, and shelter homes.
• They are also responsible for maintaining records, monitoring dog bites, and ensuring humane treatment.

2. Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)

• AWBI provides guidelines, project recognition, and funding to NGOs and local bodies.
• It ensures that ABC centres follow proper standards and protocols.

3. Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying

• Oversees the national implementation of the ABC Rules, 2023.
• Coordinates with states and UTs for policy compliance and infrastructure development.

4. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

• Manages the National Rabies Control Program.
• Ensures availability of post-exposure prophylaxis for dog bite victims.
• Collects data on rabies cases and supports vaccination drives.

5. State Animal Husbandry Departments

• Implement sterilisation and vaccination programs at the state level.
• Coordinate with municipal bodies and NGOs for shelter management.

Budget, Funding & Future Allocations

The financial side of stray dog management has been a long-standing concern. Here’s what we know post the Supreme Court’s revised order:

Central Budget Allocation

• The government announced a ₹2,500 crore national allocation for the ABC Program and related infrastructure.
• This includes funding for:
  • Sterilisation and vaccination drives
  • Shelter home construction and upgrades
  • Training of veterinary staff
  • Public awareness campaigns

Annual Funding Plans

• While the ₹2,500 crore is a major step, experts and activists are urging the government to make this a recurring annual budget.
• Past data shows that central funding for ABC was negligible between 2021-2024, with only ₹4.03 lakh allocated in 2020-21.
• The new order signals a shift toward sustained funding, but actual yearly allocations will depend on future budget sessions and state-level planning.

Citizen Contributions

• The Supreme Court directed that NGOs must deposit ₹2 lakh and individual dog lovers ₹25,000 to participate in the legal proceedings.
• These funds will be used to build infrastructure and support welfare programs.

Shelter Homes: Who Runs Them & How Can Citizens Help?

Government vs Private Shelters

• Most shelter homes are government-run or government-funded, especially in Delhi NCR.
• NGOs and private trusts also manage shelters, but they must be accredited by AWBI to operate under the ABC Program.
• Examples include Friendicoes, Sonadi Trust, and PAWS, which work with municipal bodies to run ABC centers.

Feeding Rules

• Feeding stray dogs in public places is now prohibited.
• Municipal bodies must create designated feeding zones in each ward.
• Dog lovers can feed dogs only in these zones, or within shelter premises if permitted.

Donations & Adoption

• Citizens can donate to shelter homes, especially those run by NGOs.
• Donations can support:
  • Medical care
  • Food and supplies
  • Infrastructure upgrades
• Dog lovers can also adopt stray dogs through municipal bodies or registered shelters.
  • Once adopted, the dog must be cared for responsibly and cannot be returned to the streets.

A Shared Responsibility

The Supreme Court’s revised order is a progressive and compassionate step toward balancing public safety and animal welfare. But its success depends on:

• Efficient coordination between government departments
• Adequate and recurring funding
• Citizen participation through adoption, donations, and responsible feeding

India’s stray dogs are not just street animals, they are part of our communities. With the right mix of policy, compassion, and civic action, we can build a safer and kinder future for both humans and animals.

Also read – Barking Controversy: Delhi Stray Dog Purge Ignites Clash Between Safety and Compassion

India’s Stray Dog Crisis and the Supreme Court’s Bold Intervention: Barking Up the Right Tree?

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