New Delhi/IBNS, Nov. 7 -- TheSupreme Courton Friday directed all States and Union Territories to ensure the removal ofstray dogsfrom the premises of educational institutions, hospitals, public sports complexes, bus depots, and railway stations, ruling that such animals should not be released back into these areas after sterilisation.

A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria observed that allowing sterilised stray dogs to return to such public spaces would "defeat the very purpose" of securing these zones and safeguarding public health.

The Bench further ordered that all stray dogs presently inhabiting these premises be captured, sterilised, and vaccinated in accordance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) ...