NEW DELHI: India’s top court modified its earlier ruling in a case involving stray dogs on Friday, ordering authorities in capital Delhi and its suburbs to release picked-up dogs in the same area after sterilization and immunization. Animal lovers had filed an appeal against the Supreme Court’s earlier order to authorities to relocate all stray dogs to shelters after media reports of a rise in cases of rabies, especially among children. The decision to relocate them had drawn criticism over its implementation, citing lack of infrastructure and medical treatment.

Supreme Court to rule on stray dog capture directive in Delhi, sparking controversy and public health concerns.

Stray dog SC verdict: Highlights of the hearing in the Supreme Court related to the stray dog issue in The Hindu live blog on August 22, 2025.