India, Aug. 22 -- The Supreme Court on Friday modified its August-11 directions, saying that sterilised and immunised strays may be released back into their areas, bringing much cheer among dog lovers. "Prohibition on release of strays shall be stayed. They shall be dewormed, vaccinated, etc, and sent back to the same area," said a three-judge Bench.

According to an earlier order of a two-judge Bench, the authorities in Delhi and its suburbs were asked to move all stray dogs into shelters, expressing concern over the rising "menace of dog bites leading to rabies", leading to widespread protests by animal welfare groups.

The three-judge Bench, however, said that dogs with rabies or aggressive behaviour should be immunised and kept in she...