Delhi Gov. new SOP & Guidelines for Stray Dog

The Delhi Government has officially released a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in 2025 for the management, feeding, and welfare of community dogs. These guidelines, issued under the ABC Rules 2023, aim to balance public safety and animal welfare.

✅ Feeding Stray Dogs is Legal, But Follow the Rules

• Feeding must be done only at designated feeding spots chosen by Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and local residents.
• Feeding spots must be clean, safe and away from children’s parks, schools or crowded roads.
• Every feeding point will have a signboard. Feeding outside these points is not allowed.

Why? Because dogs are territorial. If moved randomly, it causes fights, stress and conflict with humans.

✅ Protection for Animal Feeders

• No one can harass, threaten or stop you from feeding stray dogs responsibly.
• This is a serious legal offence and strict action will be taken against violators.
• Senior citizens, women and community caregivers who feed dogs are specially protected.

✅ Sterilization & Vaccination: The Humane Solution

• Stray dogs cannot be relocated or killed.
• Instead, they will undergo ABC (Animal Birth Control) surgery and anti-rabies vaccination.
• After recovery, dogs will be returned to their original area.

This is the only humane and long-term solution for population control and safer streets.

✅ Pet Dog Owners: Mandatory Registration

If you own a pet dog in Delhi:

• All dogs above 3 months must be registered with the local authority.
• There are 2 categories:
  1. Breeding Dogs – Allowed only with license & strict rules.
  2. Non-Breeding Dogs – Owners must show proof of sterilization after the dog turns 1 year.
• Annual vaccination certificates are mandatory.
• Adopting Indian (desi) dogs? You get free registration, free sterilization and free vaccination at ABC Centres.

✅ Handling Aggressive or Rabid Dogs

• Aggressive or rabid dogs will be kept in special observation centres.
• Rabid dogs will be isolated until natural death, with safe disposal.
• Habitually aggressive dogs may be shifted to long-term shelters run by NGOs.
• No cruelty is allowed in catching dogs – only trained handlers can do it.

✅ Complaint & Helpline System

• A 24×7 helpline and online portal will soon be launched for complaints related to:
  • Dog bites
  • Rabies cases
  • ABC program issues
• A Complaint Control Cell will monitor and act on all complaints.

Why This Matters

This SOP ensures harmony between humans and dogs. Stray dogs get food, sterilization and vaccination. Citizens get cleaner streets and reduced risks of rabies. Feeders are legally protected and pet owners are guided to be responsible.

Final Word

The Delhi Govt. has made it clear:

• Feeding stray dogs is legal, but must be organized and responsible.
• Stray dogs are not enemies-they are part of our community and must be treated with kindness and respect.
• Together, with sterilization, vaccination and awareness, we can create safer and more compassionate streets for both humans and dogs.

At Fooundit, we support every citizen who cares for stray dogs. Let’s spread awareness, share these rules and stand for the rights of our furry friends. 🐶❤️