Home / Crime and Justice / Stray Dogs: Court Rules Against Releasing Sterilized Dogs in Public Spaces
Stray Dogs: Court Rules Against Releasing Sterilized Dogs in Public Spaces
20 May
Summary
- Sterilized stray dogs cannot be re-released into schools and hospitals.
- Court upholds existing rules permitting euthanasia for rabid or dangerous dogs.
- Animal rights groups criticize poor implementation of ABC centers and euthanasia fears.
The Supreme Court has reinforced its November 2025 directive, prohibiting the re-release of sterilized stray dogs into sensitive public areas including schools, hospitals, and transport hubs. The court rejected the notion that sterilization rules compel the return of these animals to such locations. Existing legal provisions allowing euthanasia for rabid, incurably ill, or dangerous dogs, following veterinary assessment, were also endorsed.
Unsterilised community dogs are now mandated for relocation to Animal Birth Control (ABC) centers for sterilization. This directive follows concerns raised by animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi regarding inadequate and poorly maintained ABC centers. Supreme Court advocate Nanita Sharma voiced sharper concerns about the euthanasia provisions, fearing potential over-application for minor aggression.
Sharma also contested the relocation of dogs to ABC centers as a violation of sterilization rules, a reading the court dismissed. She criticized the decision as unbalanced, noting a lack of focus on animal cruelty. Other organizations expressed hope that states would avoid extreme measures like culling. While welcoming the focus on public safety, some emphasize the need for humane and scientific implementation through proper sheltering and vaccination.
