India, Nov. 8 -- The Supreme Court on Friday ruled that stray dogs will no longer be allowed on the premises of schools, hospitals, transport hubs or sports complexes, and directed that they be removed and relocated to shelters after sterilisation and vaccination.

The order, aimed at preventing dog attacks and improving safety in public spaces, has drawn sharp criticism from animal rights groups, who called it "impractical, inhumane, and contrary to national animal welfare law."

Activists said the ruling violates the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, which require sterilised and vaccinated dogs to be released back to the same area they were picked up from.

"Dogs living on school or railway premises cannot be relocated-it's their home. ...