Controversy Surrounding Stray Dog Management in Delhi
Around Forty Protesters Held for Opposing Magistrate's Decree Concerning Canines
A recent directive by the Supreme Court has sparked intense debate in Delhi, ordering all stray dogs in the region to be removed from public roads and permanently kept in shelters within eight weeks. This decision has led to significant protests from animal rights activists, celebrities, and political leaders who argue the ruling is illegal, inhumane, and unscientific.
The key controversies include opposition to the removal and shelter policy, legal and ethical concerns, and public safety and human health.
Opposition to Removal and Shelter Policy
Animal welfare groups such as PETA India argue that the court order is impractical and cruel. They warn that removing dogs can disrupt the ecological balance, risk increased rabies spread due to unvaccinated dogs entering new areas, and lead to shelter overcrowding. They emphasize the cultural significance and ecological roles of dogs, citing instances like Lord Shiva hugging a dog as symbolic.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
Protesters argue that the Supreme Court decision contradicts the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules of 2013, which mandate sterilized and vaccinated dogs be released back in their original areas instead of being confined to shelters. They view permanent removal as a death sentence for many strays and a disregard for decades of evidence-based animal management practice.
Public Safety and Human Health
The Court prioritized protecting human life, citing alarming statistics of daily dog bite incidents (2,000 per day in Delhi), substantial rabies cases and deaths nationwide (18,000–20,000 annual deaths per WHO, with Delhi reporting thousands of bites and dozens of rabies cases in 2025). Recent tragic deaths, including a 6-year-old child, were cited as catalysts for urgent action.
Arguments for strict implementation of the ABC Rules and humane control measures include sterilization and vaccination, maintaining ecological and social balance, a scientific, humane approach, and avoiding overcrowding and health risks in shelters.
The protesters, who gathered at India Gate, demanded the strict implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, which include sterilization, vaccination, and the release of community dogs back to their areas. Approximately 40-50 animal rights activists were detained by Delhi Police on Tuesday during the protest.
The Supreme Court, on Monday, described the stray dog situation in Delhi as "extremely grim" and instructed the Delhi government and civic bodies to begin picking up strays and keeping them in shelters immediately. The authorities face the challenge of balancing urgent public health concerns with animal welfare and societal values.
Stray dog advocates rally at India Gate, calling for the strict implementation of the ABC Rules, which emphasize the importance of sterilization, vaccination, and returning community dogs to their habitats on public roads. The protesters also assert that the implementation of these rules would ensure a more humane and scientific approach to stray dog management, aligning with decades of evidence-based practices and reducing the risk of shelter overcrowding and health issues.
In the midst of the controversy, social media platforms are abuzz with discussions revolving around entertainment personalities expressing their concern for the welfare of stray dogs, highlighting their role in providing affection and entertainment to many Indians, much like Lord Shiva's beloved canine companion. These celebrities implore the authorities to consider the emotional bond between people and their pet dogs while devising effective stray dog management strategies.
