India, Aug. 22 -- Days after widespread public backlash against the Supreme Court's August 11 directive, which mandated relocating all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets to shelters within eight weeks, the court issued a modified ruling on Friday. It now requires that stray dogs be sterilised, vaccinated and returned to the exact locations from which they were taken, except those displaying rabies symptoms or aggressive behaviour.

The revised order, hailed as a "scientific judgement" by animal rights advocates, also bans public feeding and directs authorities to create designated feeding zones instead.

The modification has brought some relief to animal lovers and rights groups. "We welcome the relief provided by the Supreme Court that th...