FAQ: Understanding the Supreme Court Order on Street Dogs (Aug 22, 2025) - A Guide for Bangaloreans

Introduction:The recent Supreme Court (SC) order has caused some concern among animal caregivers in Bangalore. This FAQ is designed to cut through the noise and provide clear, accurate information based on the actual court document. Please read this to understand what the order actually means for you and the community animals in Bangalore.

Q1: What is the most important thing for us to know right now?A: Stay Calm and Continue Your Work Compassionately. The SC has reaffirmed the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023 as the law of the land. The core process of Sterilize-Vaccinate-Returnremains intact and is now reinforced.

Q2: The news is confusing. Does the order ban feeding street dogs?A: The order regulates feeding to ensure it is done safely and without causing public nuisance. It states that feeding on streets and public places is not permitted. However, it also mandates municipal authorities to create "dedicated feeding spaces" in every ward.

• For now, in Bangalore: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has not yet identified or notified these dedicated feeding areas. Until they do, be mindful and strategic. Feed in quieter corners, avoid footpaths and entrance gates, clean up thoroughly afterwards, and try to feed during less busy hours. This is a time for responsible feeding and proactive collaboration with BBMP to identify suitable spots.

  
  

Q3: Can the BBMP now pick up dogs and not release them?A: No, this is a critical win. The SC has modified its earlier harsh order. The new directive clearly states that:

"The dogs that are picked up shall be sterilised, dewormed, vaccinated, and released back to the same area from which they were picked up."This is a direct reinforcement of Rule 11(19) of the ABC Rules, 2023. Only dogs confirmed to be rabid or displaying proven aggressive behaviour (a term that needs clear definition) can be held back.

Q4: Is this Supreme Court order immediately applicable in Bangalore?A: Not directly. The immediate geographic focus is Delhi-NCR. The court has, however, impleaded all states and union territories to develop a uniform national policy. Furthermore, it has transferred all similar cases from various High Courts to itself.

• What this means for Bangalore: The Karnataka High Court may have its own orders. However, the ABC Rules 2023 are a central government law and are applicable in Bangalore. The BBMP is obligated to follow them. The SC's reinforcement of these rules strengthens our position. We must ensure the BBMP's ABC program aligns with these national guidelines.

  
  

Q5: So, which rules should we follow in Bangalore right now?A: You continue to be guided by the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, as enforced by the BBMP. The Supreme Court order has not scrapped these rules; it has actually upheld them against the earlier drastic decision. The BBMP's duty is to conduct ABC, and our duty is to support it and care for community dogs within this legal framework.

Q6: I am a feeder. Can I be fined or arrested for feeding dogs?A: The SC order allows for penalties for feeding on streets in contravention of the directive. However, since the BBMP has not yet created the mandated dedicated feeding spaces in Bangalore, the practical enforcement of this is currently unclear. The spirit of the order is to move feeding away from traffic and pedestrian flow. Your best course of action is to feed responsibly and engage with your local ward office to propose suitable locations for designated feeding zones.

Q7: What is the positive takeaway from this order?Ans:: There are several:

1. ABC Rules Upheld: The SC validated the scientific and legal basis of the ABC program.

2. Release Mandatory: The court corrected its earlier stance and made the release of sterilized dogs mandatory.

3. National Policy: The move to create a uniform national policy is good, as it will prevent conflicting state-level orders.

4. Structured Approach: The call for designated feeding areas, if implemented correctly by BBMP, could legitimize feeding and reduce human-dog conflict.

Summary Table for Quick Reference:

Topic	What the Supreme Court Says (Aug 22, 2025)	What it means for Bangalore for now
Feeding	Not allowed on streets. Municipalities must create dedicated feeding spaces.	BBMP has not yet created these spaces. Feed responsibly, discreetly, and clean up. Collectively Engage with BBMP to identify spots.
ABC Process	Dogs MUST be picked up, sterilized, vaccinated, and RELEASED back to their original area.	This is a victory. Reaffirms the existing ABC Rules. BBMP must continue this.
Non-Release	Only applies to rabid or aggressively behaved dogs(to be clearly defined).	BBMP must prove aggression/rabies to hold a dog. Standard friendly community dogs must be released, if there is no proven bite history.
Applicability	Immediate focus on Delhi-NCR. Order expanded to include all states for a future national policy.	Not directly binding on Bangalore immediately.However, ABC Rules 2023 still are. Follow BBMP guidelines

Conclusion: Please do not panic. Or engage defensively/aggressively. The situation is evolving, but the law is on the side of humane, scientific animal birth control. Continue your care for community animals responsibly. Be mindful of human concerns and especially children. Stay informed through reliable sources like animal welfare NGOs like us or , CUPA, CARE, etc.) and official BBMP announcements. The next Supreme Court hearing is in 8 weeks. We will update this FAQ as the situation develops.

Stay Calm, Be Compassionate, and Carry On.