Supreme Court observed that citizens who wished to feed stray dogs should consider doing so inside their own homes, highlighting the ethical divide over stray dogs.

• Supreme Court observed that law warrant the protection of street dogs, but the authorities will have to bear in mind the concern of common man, such that their movement on streets are not hampered by dog attacks.

Ethical Issues Concerning Stray Dogs

• Compassion vs Public Order: Citizens have compassion towards feeding stray dogs but others argue that it encourages territorial aggression and public nuisance. 
• Animal Welfare vs Public Safety: Stray dogs have right to life and dignity yet communities also have the right to safety from dog bites and rabies. 
  • According to NCDC, more than 37 lakh dog bite cases were reported in India in 2024.
• Ecological Carrying Capacity vs Population Control: It is argued that humans are increasing capacity for stray dog population by feeding them and on the other hand are adopting unethical animal control methods. 
• Utilitarianism vs Deontological Approach: Abandonment vs Responsibility: Utilitarianian component in human-dog bond has weakened significantly resulting in abandonment of pets while deontological approach prioritizes fulfilling responsibilities towards stray dogs. =