Community Adoption of Stray Dogs

Dear Client,
Article 51A(g) of the Constitution of India makes it a fundamental duty of every Indian citizen to respect and have compassion for all forms of life. So, for infringement of the constitutional right, a pet owner or lover can complain to the police station or file a civil suit before the Court for violation of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1960). The Animal Welfare Board of India has guidelines stating that Builders/RWAs cannot deny feeding or designated feeding spots without the consent of the feeders. They can face legal action if they issue illegal orders or intimidate residents who are pet owners, or feed stray cats or dogs in society. However, recently on 22nd August, a three-judge Bench of the Hon'ble Supreme Court has passed an order modifying its earlier order date 11th August, 2025 directing the municipal authority to pick up all stray dogs from the streets in Delhi-NCR for permanently housing in designated shelters and not to be returned to the streets. In the said order, it is clarified and directed that the municipal bodies across the country must ensure that only sterilised and immunised dogs are returned to their original areas. Rabid or dangerously aggressive animals may be quarantined or kept in shelters. Dogs that are picked up shall be sterilised, dewormed, vaccinated, and released back to the same area from where they were picked up. The Bench also ordered that each municipal authority must create dedicated feeding spaces for stray dogs in every ward, taking into account the dog population. Notice boards must clearly state that feeding is allowed only in such areas. Feeding on public roads and streets will not be permitted and helplines must be set up for reporting violations. The Bench also noted that while compassion for animals is part of Indian law, the safety of citizens, particularly children, the elderly, and visually impaired persons, cannot be compromised. So, in view of the said order/judgment of the Apex Court, feeding of stray dogs other than dedicated feeding spaces or spots, now liable a dog lover or feeder to face prosecution for violation of the said order which is applicable across the country.

Dear Sir,

Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023 (Central Govt.)

Recognizes community dog caretakers.

Allows feeding and care of strays at designated spots without causing nuisance.

Encourages humane treatment, sterilization, vaccination, and community responsibility.

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960

Prohibits cruelty and permits care/adoption of stray animals.

No law prevents private citizens or communities from adopting strays, so long as care standards are maintained.

Housing Society Laws (Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, 1960 + Bye-laws)

Societies cannot ban pets.

For strays, there is no explicit prohibition on creating a community animal shelter, but members’ consent and municipal compliance is essential.