Animal welfare groups and shelter home owners have welcomed the Supreme Court’s revised order on stray dogs, calling it a “big relief” and a victory for animal rights.

On Friday, the apex court modified its earlier August 11 directive, ruling that stray dogs must be released back after sterilisation and immunisation. However, it upheld the prohibition on public feeding of strays. Dogs found to be aggressive or infected with rabies will remain confined in shelters.

Speaking to ANI, Sonali Gaba, who runs a dog shelter, expressed satisfaction with the order. “We had faith the SC would rule in our favour. You cannot label every dog as aggressive without proof. Creating designated feeding areas is a welcome step,” she said. Gaba added that aggressive dogs would be kept under observation and, if found healthy, released after vaccination.