On August 11, the Supreme Court of India delivered one of its most debated judgments in recent years regarding the removal of stray dogs from the streets of Delhi, Noida, and other cities.
The earlier order directed that stray dogs be picked up from the streets and shifted to permanent shelters, with no release under any circumstances. This was seen as a possible solution to the rising cases of dog bites and rabies infections, and the Court had set an eight-week deadline to complete the process.
However, the decision triggered a huge uproar from animal lovers and several celebrities, who strongly protested against the order.
Responding to the protests, the Supreme Court modified its ruling today, August 22. The apex court has stayed the August 11 directive that banned the release of stray dogs once picked up. Under the new order, dogs must be released after sterilisation and immunisation, except in cases where they are infected with rabies or display aggressive behaviour.
Unlike the earlier verdict, which required permanent sheltering, the modification allows stray dogs to return to the streets once they are sterilised and vaccinated.
This change appears to be a direct result of the pressure exerted by animal rights groups and activists. At the same time, a large section of the public that welcomed the earlier ruling—citing the growing menace of stray dogs—may be disappointed by this latest modification.
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