Srinagar, May 19 -- New Delhi- The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday, for the first time, permitted euthanasia of rabid, incurably ill, or demonstrably dangerous stray dogs, observing that public safety and the right to live with dignity cannot be compromised due to rising dog attack incidents.

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria issued a series of directions aimed at tackling the growing stray dog population and increasing cases of dog bites across the country.

The bench said euthanasia of stray dogs in extreme cases was among the most important directions being issued to civic authorities.

It said local authorities could resort to euthanasia in areas where stray dog populations had reached "alarming...