The Supreme Court’s recent order directing the release of sterilised, vaccinated, and dewormed stray dogs back into their original localities has come as a relief for animal rights activists across the country.

Among those celebrating is Divya, popularly known by her social media handle Chaos in a Coupe, who has long advocated for the protection of indie dogs and their right to co-exist in Indian communities.

Calling the verdict a “deeply personal victory,” Divya, a slow traveller across Asia with her two children and three indie dogs, said the judgment acknowledges the rightful place of community dogs in everyday life. “I cannot imagine our community without our beloved Babloo, Raja, Ronnie, Polo, and so many other dogs who’ve become part of our everyday lives, our companions, our joy, our protectors,” she wrote in an Instagram post shortly after the order.

The court’s directives include several key measures: stray dogs are to be released from shelters after sterilisation, vaccination, and deworming; aggressive or rabid dogs are not to be returned; and feeding is prohibited on streets, with municipalities required to create designated feeding spaces. Dedicated helplines will also be set up to report violations, while those obstructing the exercise, including activists, will face contempt proceedings.

The order came against the backdrop of rising public concern over dog attacks, especially in Delhi, where the bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan earlier directed civic authorities to round up strays and establish shelters for at least 5,000 dogs. The fresh judgment reverses the prohibition on re-release, reaffirming sterilisation and vaccination as the core solution.

‘They are part of our community’

In conversation with Mathrubhumi, Divya said the ruling restores the dignity of stray dogs. “I celebrate this. These dogs are part of Delhi as much as we are. Their home should not be taken away from them,” she said.

She dismissed the idea that large shelters could ever replace community care. “If municipal corporations till now could not sterilise or vaccinate these dogs, do you think they can come up with shelters like that? We all know these dogs would be taken away and they would be killed or die of hunger and disease. The idea of these shelters is absolutely taking away the freedom of the dogs,” she argued.

On rising attacks

Asked about the public fear surrounding stray dog attacks, Divya pointed to deeper social issues. “There is too much fake news and manipulation. Often, children throw water, stones, even crackers at dogs, while adults look the other way. If you harass animals, they are bound to react,” she said, stressing the need for education at both community and school levels.

“Dogs are not aggressive; they are made aggressive. How people treat them is how they get it back,” she added.

On feeding restrictions

The Supreme Court also prohibited feeding strays in public spaces except in designated zones. While acknowledging that feeders should act responsibly and clean up after themselves, Divya criticised the idea of “designated areas.” “Nothing designated works in India. Look at toilets -- they exist, but people still use the streets. Feeders are simply doing a job that should be a community responsibility. Instead of restricting them, the law should be protecting them,” she said.

On new ‘deterrent’ tools

A group of young scientists in Kerala recently developed an ‘electronic stick’ designed to deter stray dogs. The device emits ultrasonic sound, inaudible to humans but uncomfortable for animals, along with a small electric shock, a bright light, and an unpleasant odor, effectively keeping stray dogs at bay.

Reacting to innovations like these, Divya warned against their misuse. “This is just another tool to abuse animals. Someone who doesn’t like dogs could use this to harm or paralyse them. Instead, can we talk about introducing a course at the school or community level to help kids become more sensitive towards animals--to learn how to approach them, how not to terrorise them, and how to take care of them? This could be the first step in managing the situation much better, rather than using sticks that give them a shock,” she said.

‘A harder-earned beginning’

While the activist expressed joy at the court’s affirmation of street dogs’ right to live freely, she cautioned that vigilance must continue. “Even now, there are RWAs and individuals who may misuse this order under the guise of sterilisation. Compassion must be guarded, and justice must be enforced. This isn’t the end of the road -- it’s just a harder-earned beginning,” she said.