Stray dogs SC verdict highlights: Animal lovers celebrate at Jantar Mantar after relief

STray dogs sublime margaret court finding of fact unrecorded: The sublime Court on Friday stayed the earlier August 11 order on stray dogs, directing that while dogs would still be picked up, they will be released back upon sterilisation and immunisation.The verdict was pronounded a week after the top court heard a batch of petitions challenging its earlier August 11 order on stray dogs in Delhi-NCR. The apex court clarified that the release directive is only for stray dogs that are not infected with rabies or exhibiting aggressive behaviour.In the earlier August 11 order, the court had directed the relocation of stray dogs in the region within eight weeks, a move that had triggered protests, not just in the national capital, but several others parts of India.Here are key updates on the issue so far:SC order stayed: A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court stayed the earlier order on stray dogs in Delhi-NCR, directing the animals be picked up but also be released upon sterlisation and immunisation, unless the dog is rabid.No to street feeding: The top court also issued restrictions on public feeding, directing dedicated feeding stations to be created. Those flouting the directive will reportedly be liable to be proceeded with under relevant legal framework.Dog lovers, NGOs asked to pay: The Supreme Court has also directed dog lovers and NGOs who approached the court against the earlier order to pay ₹25,000 and ₹2 lakh each, respectively, for dog shelters.What stayed SC order said: The earlier order, which is now stayed, not only directed the picking up of dogs, but had also warned of strict action if any person or organisation came in the way. The court had directed authorities to create shelters to house the animals and not release them back.Hearing by three-judge bench: The Supreme Court heard the arguments against the August 11 order last week. The hearing saw arguments from both sides, for and against the order.Arguments in favour of move: While Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the government, highlighted the number of rabies deaths, those representing the petitioners highlighted how there aren't enough dog shelters in the Delhi-NCR region which makes the implementation of the order tricky. The Solicitor General said that there have been 37 lakh dog bite cases in an year, and 305 rabies death annually.Arguments against the move: When the Supreme Court asked Kapil Sibal, the advocate representing the petitioners, to specify what was objectionable with the order, he presented some arguments, all of which centered around the shortage of dog shelters.