Supreme Court Highlights Coexistence And Practicality In Stray Dog Management Decision

The Supreme Court of India has delivered a significant decision addressing the long-standing issue of stray dog management in urban areas, particularly Delhi-NCR. The Court emphasized that the solution must balance compassion with practicality, recognizing that dogs are territorial animals and cannot simply be removed in large numbers. During earlier hearings, the Court noted the impracticality of relocating over three lakh stray dogs entirely to shelters, as sufficient infrastructure does not exist.Instead, the Court reiterated its earlier stance that stray dogs should be fed in designated areas such as back lanes or open spaces, ensuring both public safety and animal welfare. The bench acknowledged that many individuals, including single women and senior citizens, rely on stray dogs as informal protectors, highlighting the social dimension of the issue. At the same time, the judges reminded authorities and citizens that unregulated feeding in public spaces often creates conflicts, health hazards, and safety concerns.This decision seeks to strike a middle path, urging cooperation between municipal bodies, animal welfare organizations, and residents. By focusing on coexistence, compassion, and structured management, the ruling attempts to address both human concerns and animal rights.