The Supreme Court has ruled that feeding stray dogs on streets and in public places is now illegal. Feeding will only be permitted at designated spaces to be created by municipal authorities in each ward. Anyone found feeding dogs outside these areas could face legal action.
The ruling came as the Court modified its August 11 directive on stray dogs in Delhi-NCR. A three-judge bench led by Justice Vikram Nath clarified that dogs picked up by municipal authorities must be sterilised, dewormed, and vaccinated before being released back to the same area. However, dogs infected with rabies, suspected of infection, or showing aggressive behaviour will not be released and will remain in shelters.
Municipal bodies have been ordered to set up feeding zones, mark them with notice boards, and establish helpline numbers for reporting violations. Individuals or NGOs obstructing authorities from enforcing the rules will face prosecution. The Court also directed that individuals and NGOs involved in the case must deposit ₹25,000 and ₹2 lakh, respectively, to fund stray dog infrastructure. Citizens who adopt street dogs must ensure the adopted animals do not return to the streets.
The directions extend pan-India, aiming to prevent untoward incidents caused by unregulated feeding, while balancing citizen safety with animal welfare.
Can you still feed stray dogs at all? Where are you allowed?
Yes, you can — but only at the designated feeding areas set up by municipal authorities in each ward. These areas will be identified based on the local stray dog population and clearly marked with notice boards. Feeding dogs on streets, footpaths, or public places is no longer allowed. Anyone caught violating this rule may face legal action under the relevant municipal and criminal frameworks.
