Supreme Court stays order directing Delhi to shift street dogs to shelters

The Supreme Court on Friday stayed its earlier directions to the Delhi government and municipal corporations of Noida and Gurugram to capture and shift all street dogs to shelters, reported Live Law.

A three-judge bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria directed municipal authorities to release the dogs from where they are picked up after vaccinating and deworming them, according to Bar and Bench.

However, the court said that dogs displaying aggressive behaviour or those infected with rabies should not be released.

The court also prohibited public feeding of stray dogs, stating that dedicated feeding spaces must be created for the purpose.

The bench ordered all dog shelters to be equipped with surveillance cameras, adequate staff, food and medical care.

Additionally, it directed authorities to set up a helpline within a week for reporting incidents of dog bites. If a case is reported, the dog should be captured within four hours, the court held.

It also said that data on rabies vaccinations and treatment should be published every month.

The bench cautioned that animal rights activists who obstruct municipal authorities from capturing stray dogs as per the Animal Birth Control Rules would be held in contempt of court, Live Law reported.

Moreover, the court expanded the scope of the case beyond the National Capital Region and said the interim directions will be applicable across...

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