India, Aug. 23 -- On August 22, 2025, the Supreme Court of India issued an order of exceptional importance in the ongoing debate on community dogs, public health, and civic responsibility. In one stroke, it brought order to chaos, reaffirming the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, as the only lawful and scientific framework for dog population management across the country. The court's ruling is layered in meaning. It recognises that humane science is not at odds with public health, but is its foundation. It affirms that those who care for animals cannot be harassed or criminalised. And it asserts that lawful processes are not optional but binding on every municipality. In doing so, the top court has shifted the national narrative from ...