The directive issued by the Supreme Court to eliminate all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR represents a regression from years of humane, scientifically-supported policy, stated Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, on Tuesday. “These voiceless beings are not ‘problems’ to be eradicated. Shelters, sterilization, vaccination, and community care can ensure the safety of streets without resorting to cruelty,” Gandhi remarked in a post on X. He described blanket removals as cruel, shortsighted, and a violation of our compassion. “We can guarantee that public safety and animal welfare coexist,” he added, while criticizing the court’s ruling. On Monday, the Supreme Court instructed the authorities in the National Capital Territory of Delhi to commence the immediate collection of stray dogs from all neighborhoods and transfer them to dog shelters. This directive also applies to Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad.
The ruling faced backlash from animal rights organizations, which staged a protest in front of India Gate in Delhi on Monday against the order. The police apprehended them during the demonstration. “They do not want us to speak. These individuals are incarcerating everyone. I am being detained for the honorable act of feeding animals,” remarked a dog caregiver while being arrested by the police for protesting against the Supreme Court’s order. PETA India’s Advocacy Associate, Shaurya Agrawal, criticized the order as “impractical and illogical,” asserting that it would lead to “chaos and additional issues.”
In a conversation with ANI, the PETA Indian Advocacy Associate stated, “This specific order is impractical, illogical, and, according to the animal birth control regulations, also illegal. The Delhi government had 24 years to execute these sterilization programs and enforce the ABC rules. Delhi has 1 million dogs, yet only half of them are sterilized. Housing them in shelters is impractical and exceedingly challenging. This will result in chaos and further complications.” He further described the decision to remove dogs as “inhumane and cruel in itself” and indicated that PETA is considering all legal options to contest the order.
