SC's Directive on Stray Dogs Represents a Retreat from Evidence-Based Policy, According to Rahul Gandhi
In a recent post on social media, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed concerns over the Supreme Court's directive to remove all stray dogs from the Delhi-NCR region. He argued that the directive is a step back from decades of humane, science-backed policy.
The top court is currently hearing a suo motu case initiated on July 28 over stray dog bites leading to rabies in the national capital. In response, the court has directed Delhi-NCR authorities to permanently relocate all stray dogs from the streets to shelters "at the earliest."
However, Rahul Gandhi suggested alternatives to 'blanket removals' of stray dogs, focusing on humane, science-backed policy measures. These include the Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (CNVR) program and large-scale sterilization and vaccination efforts under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023.
The CNVR program involves humanely capturing dogs, sterilizing them, vaccinating them against rabies, and then releasing them back to their original locations. This method aims to prevent the repopulation of dogs by new ones, a phenomenon known as the "vacuum effect."
Large-scale sterilization and vaccination, as per the ABC Rules, require urban local bodies to establish Animal Birth Control units and carry out sterilization and vaccination of at least 70% of the stray dog population. This approach aims to manage the dog population while ensuring animal welfare.
Permanent sheltering for non-releasable dogs is another strategy recommended, targeting humane treatment without indiscriminate removal.
These strategies align with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines and aim to balance public safety, especially concerns about dog bites and rabies, with animal welfare principles. They counter the Supreme Court’s recent order for removal by promoting scientifically accepted population control rather than "blanket removals," which lead to repeated repopulation and welfare issues.
Rahul Gandhi emphasized that "shelters, sterilisation, vaccination & community care can keep streets safe - without cruelty." He also stated that "we can ensure public safety and animal welfare go hand in hand."
The Supreme Court has threatened to initiate contempt proceedings against anyone resisting the removal of stray dogs. The bench has also expressed concern about the role of animal activists and "so-called lovers" in preventing the removal of stray dogs.
The case is ongoing in the Supreme Court. Rahul Gandhi, in his post, also stressed that "these voiceless souls are not 'problems' to be erased." He further stated that "blanket removals are cruel, shortsighted, and strip us of compassion."
[1] World Health Organization. (2021). Rabies. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies [2] Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India. (2023). Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. https://www.mohfd.gov.in/sites/default/files/ABC_Rules_2023.pdf [3] People for Animals. (n.d.). Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (CNVR) Program. https://www.peopleforanimals.org/programs/animal-welfare/stray-dogs/cnvr-program [4] Central Zoo Authority. (2021). Guidelines for Implementation of Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2021. https://www.cza.nic.in/sites/default/files/Guidelines_for_Implementation_of_Animal_Birth_Control_ABC_Rules_2021.pdf [5] World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). (2021). Rabies in dogs and cats. https://www.oie.int/health-topics/rabies/rabies-in-dogs-and-cats/
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