Introduction

The issue of stray dogs in India has sparked heated debate, balancing animal welfare against public safety. A Noida resident filed a petition in the Allahabad High Court, alleging harassment by locals for feeding stray dogs. The High Court dismissed the plea, prompting the petitioner to approach the Supreme Court. On July 15, 2025, the Supreme Court made headlines with its remark: “If you have so much love for stray dogs, why not take them home and feed them?” This statement has ignited discussions nationwide. This article delves into the stray dog issue, court rulings, and their implications, optimized for Telugu Tone.

Background: Allahabad High Court’s Ruling

The Noida petitioner, citing the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, claimed the right to feed stray dogs, alleging obstruction by local residents and municipal authorities. The ABC Rules mandate that resident welfare associations and apartment owners establish feeding points for stray dogs. However, the lack of such zones in Noida forced the petitioner to feed dogs on public roads.

In March 2025, the Allahabad High Court dismissed the petition, emphasizing that while stray dog protection is important, their attacks on pedestrians, motorists, children, and the elderly pose a significant threat, with some incidents resulting in fatalities. The court stressed prioritizing public safety and suggested that if the petitioner cared so deeply, they could provide shelter and food for strays at home.

Supreme Court Hearing: Key Remarks

Challenging the High Court’s decision, the petitioner approached the Supreme Court. On July 15, 2025, a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta heard the case. The court remarked, “If you have such love for stray dogs, why not take them home and feed them? Nobody will stop you.” The bench added, “Should we leave all roads and streets empty for these kind-hearted individuals? There’s no space left for people.”

Endorsing the Allahabad High Court’s ruling, the Supreme Court highlighted the dangers posed by stray dog attacks, noting that pedestrians, two-wheeler riders, children, and the elderly are at risk, with some losing their lives. The court advised establishing designated feeding points to ensure feeding strays does not inconvenience the public. The case was clubbed with another pending petition for further hearing.

The Stray Dog Issue: Two Sides of the Debate

The stray dog problem in India is complex, pitting animal welfare against public safety. Animal lovers advocate for stray protection, while others raise concerns about safety due to dog attacks. In recent years, cities like Hyderabad and Vijayawada have reported fatal incidents, including a July 2024 case in Hyderabad’s Jawaharnagar where a child died in a stray dog attack.

The ABC Rules, 2023, recognize the right to feed strays but stipulate that it should not disturb others, as clarified by a 2021 Delhi High Court ruling. The rules mandate resident associations and municipalities to set up feeding zones, but implementation remains patchy across many areas.

Solutions to the Stray Dog Problem

To address the issue in a balanced manner, the following measures are recommended:

• Designated Feeding Zones: Establish feeding points in low-traffic areas to minimize public inconvenience.
• Sterilization Programs: Accelerate ABC-compliant sterilization and rabies vaccination drives to control stray populations.
• Public Awareness: Educate communities about dog bite prevention and rabies vaccination. Medical experts recommend cleaning a dog bite wound immediately and seeking a rabies vaccine within 48 hours.
• Community Collaboration: Encourage resident associations and municipal bodies to work with animal welfare organizations.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court and Allahabad High Court rulings underscore the need to balance stray dog welfare with public safety. While feeding strays is a recognized right, it must occur in designated feeding zones to avoid inconvenience. Resolving this issue requires collective efforts from the government, local bodies, and animal lovers. For the latest news and insights, visit Telugu Tone.

Keywords: Stray dogs, Supreme Court, Allahabad High Court, Animal Birth Control Rules, feeding points, animal welfare, public safety, Noida petition.

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