NEW DELHI : Earlier this month, the court had directed that all stray dogs in Delhi and its suburbs be moved to shelters after a surge in dog bites and rabies cases. The ruling, however, triggered widespread criticism over its feasibility, as shelters were already overcrowded.

Animal rights activists staged protests, launched online petitions, and gained support from politicians and celebrities, including opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who called the initial order “a step back from decades of humane, science-backed policy.”

Responding to the backlash, a three-judge panel modified the order on Friday, clarifying that dogs picked up in recent weeks will be released back to their areas after sterilisation and vaccination. Only dogs showing signs of rabies or aggressive behaviour will remain confined.

Former federal minister and animal rights advocate Maneka Gandhi welcomed the decision, calling it a “scientific approach,” though she noted the definition of “aggressive dog” remained unclear.

The issue has gained urgency with India reporting 430,000 dog bite cases in January alone, compared to 3.7 million for all of 2024. India is home to 52.5 million stray dogs, with Delhi alone estimated to have nearly one million.

The court also ordered the creation of designated feeding zones to regulate public feeding of stray dogs and announced that the case’s scope will soon expand nationwide to frame a uniform stray dog policy.