The Supreme Court on Friday ordered that individual dog lovers and NGOs that have approached it in the ongoing stray dogs matter must deposit Rs 25,000 and Rs 2 lakh respectively with the court registry. The bench made it clear that unless these amounts are deposited, the petitioners and intervenors would not be permitted to appear in the case any further.

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The court specified that the money collected will be channelled into the creation of infrastructure and facilities for stray dogs, to be implemented under the aegis of the respective municipal bodies. This ensures that the legal interventions translate into concrete welfare measures on the ground, rather than remaining confined to courtroom proceedings.

FINES TARGETED AT NGOS, NOT COMMON PEOPLE

A key clarification came from Advocate Vivek Sharma, representing the petitioner, who said the penalties mentioned in the order were not meant for citizens. “The observation (of imposing fine of Rs 25,000 and Rs 2 lakh in the order) is meant for NGOs and intervenors who intervened in the suo motu matter, not for common people. The purpose of it can be understood by going through the order. These funds will be used for the welfare of dogs,” Sharma explained.

TOP COURT REVISES AUGUST ORDER, BANS PUBLIC FEEDING

In a major win for dog lovers, the Supreme Court on Friday modified its earlier directives on stray dogs in Delhi-NCR, allowing their release after sterilisation but prohibiting feeding them in public places. The court also directed municipal authorities to create designated feeding zones in every ward and expanded the scope of its order to cover the entire country.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REVISED ORDER

Return after treatment: Stray dogs may be released back to their original areas after sterilisation, vaccination and deworming.

No public feeding: Feeding of stray dogs in public spaces is strictly banned. Civic bodies must establish designated feeding zones in each municipal ward. Violations will be punishable under law.

Handling rabid or aggressive dogs: Dogs showing rabies symptoms or aggressive behaviour must be quarantined and kept in shelters, not released.

Adoption encouraged: Individuals and animal lovers can adopt stray dogs, but it will be their responsibility to ensure they are not returned to the streets.

Nationwide scope: The court has impleaded all states and union territories as parties to the case, and transferred all similar cases pending in the High Courts to itself with a view to formulating a uniform national policy around stray dog management.

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Published By: Priyanka Kumari Published On: Aug 22, 2025

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