John Abraham Pens Missive to the Chief Justice, Challenges Court Order on Stray Dogs in Delhi: Not Practical or Humanitarian
In a move aimed at addressing the high incidence of dog bites, particularly among children, the Supreme Court of India issued an order on August 11, 2025, directing authorities in Delhi-NCR to remove all stray dogs from the streets, sterilise, and permanently relocate them to shelters without releasing them back outdoors [1][5]. However, this directive has sparked a heated debate, with actor John Abraham and several others urging the Court to review the order.
John Abraham, an actor and the first honorary director of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, wrote a letter to Chief Justice of India, Justice BR Gavai, arguing that the dogs in question are not strays in the traditional sense but are "community dogs" who have coexisted with humans in Delhi for generations [2][4]. He pointed out that the Supreme Court’s ruling conflicts with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, which mandate sterilisation, vaccination, and the returning of the dogs to their original locations instead of relocating them permanently to shelters.
Abraham emphasised that the ABC Rules prohibit displacement and promote a methodical sterilisation programme as the humane, effective approach endorsed by previous Supreme Court judgments and international bodies like the WHO [2][4]. He cited examples of other cities where earnest implementation of these rules has worked to control dog populations without wholesale street removal.
The backlash against the Supreme Court's order on stray dogs has come from animal rights activists, celebrities, and animal lovers across the nation. Janhvi Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, and Raveena Tandon are among those who have voiced their opposition. The controversy lies in the conflict between the Supreme Court's public safety-driven order to remove all stray dogs permanently from streets and the existing ABC Rules, which mandate sterilisation and returning dogs to their communities [1][2][3][4][5].
Further objections from animal welfare groups and legal representatives highlighted the lack of adequate shelter infrastructure to house so many dogs and expressed fears that dogs could face culling if shelters are overrun. Petitioner NGOs have sought a stay on the order, arguing that municipal authorities have failed to build sufficient shelters or properly implement ABC programmes over years, contributing to increased stray dog numbers [3]. They also pointed out that the order contradicts established laws and previous court directions against mass removal and displacement of street dogs.
The Delhi government and civic bodies in Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad were directed to start the removal of strays within six to eight weeks. The Supreme Court also stated that those who obstruct the process could face contempt proceedings. The news was reported by PTI, and the article was published by Outlook Entertainment Desk. Abraham believes that Delhi can also achieve the same success if the ABC Rules are followed. He described the Supreme Court's order to remove stray dogs from the streets of Delhi-NCR as impractical and inhumane.
The Supreme Court ordered the removal of all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR localities, citing an "extremely grim" situation of stray dog bites resulting in rabies, particularly among children. However, the Court also stated that the removed dogs must not be returned to the streets. The Court is expected to deliver further orders in response to ongoing pleas challenging the recent directive.
- John Abraham, a celebrity and honorary director of PETA India, advocates for the recognition of community dogs in Delhi, arguing that the Supreme Court's order conflicts with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, which promote humane, effective methods of population control.
- A heated debate has ensued, with various animal rights activists, celebrities, and pet lovers expressing concerns about the Supreme Court's order to permanently relocate stray dogs from streets, citing a lack of adequate shelter infrastructure, potential culling, and contradiction of established laws.
- Politicians and policymakers grapple with the social-media fueled controversy surrounding the Supreme Court's policy-and-legislation on street dogs, which pits public safety against animal welfare concerns.
- Controversy over the removal of stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets extends beyond local headlines, gaining attention in the realm of general-news and entertainment, with celebrities like Janhvi Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, and Raveena Tandon voicing their opposition.
