High Court Orders: Stray Dogs’ Return Mandatory Within 10 Days
The Punjab and Haryana High Court delivered a significant ruling on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, mandating the return of stray dogs to their original locations within ten days of sterilization and vaccination. This decision directly impacts animal welfare groups operating within the states jurisdiction.
The court’s order emphasizes strict adherence to established legal procedures and local authority guidelines by these organizations. Maintaining meticulous records of each dog’s journey is also deemed crucial.
The High Court explicitly prohibited the indefinite detention of stray dogs in shelters. This ruling aims to prevent prolonged confinement and ensure the animals’ swift and safe return to their familiar environments.
This landmark judgment has far-reaching implications for animal welfare practices across Punjab and Haryana. It sets a clear precedent for humane handling of stray dog populations and underscores the importance of responsible community management. The practical implementation of this order, however, remains to be seen and will be closely observed by animal welfare activists and concerned citizens alike.
