New Delhi/IBNS, May 19 -- The Supreme Court on Tuesday delivered a significant ruling with major implications for public safety and animal control policies, permitting the euthanasia of rabid and aggressive stray dogs while underlining the growing threat posed by such animals in public spaces.

Rejecting petitions seeking modification of its earlier relocation order, a Bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N. V. Anjaria observed that the presence of stray dogs in public areas had become "alarming".

The court stressed the dangers stray dogs pose to people, particularly children.

Last year, the apex court had directed all States and Union Territories to remove stray dogs from educational institutions, hospitals, public sports c...