India, Aug. 24 -- The new Supreme Court order on stray dogs last Friday addresses the concerns of both animal lovers and the large population fearful of them: It doesn't stop the authorities from rounding up the strays, nor does it allow them to release the dogs before vaccination and sterilisation. No one can feed strays anywhere other than designated spots, and the government will have to set up dog shelters on a large scale. The apex court orders are now applicable throughout the country.

August 26 is observed as International Dog Day. It raises a pertinent question whether the apex court's direction acts as a panacea against the problems associated with stray dogs. But, before we discuss the issue, let's look at the prevalent situati...