New Delhi, Jan. 8 -- The Supreme Court on Thursday clarified that it had not directed the removal of every dog from the streets, and the direction was to treat these stray canines according to the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.

A three-judge special bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria said, "We have not directed the removal of every dog from the streets. The direction is to treat them as per the rules."

The apex court also said that dogs can smell people who are either afraid of them or have suffered a dog bite, and they attack such persons.

Today, it heard detailed arguments in the suo motu case it initiated on the issue of stray dogs in public places.

The hearing in the case will continue on Friday...