The Supreme Court’s recent decision regarding the overpopulation of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR has prompted a response from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The court’s directive involves capturing all stray dogs and housing them in shelters within the next eight weeks, a move that has drawn criticism from Gandhi.
Gandhi, through a post on X, expressed his disagreement with the court’s order, stating that it represents a retreat from long-standing, humane, and scientifically-supported policies. He asserted that these animals should not be viewed as problems to be eradicated.
Gandhi proposed a solution that includes shelters, sterilization, vaccination, and community care as methods to maintain safe streets without resorting to cruelty. He argued that indiscriminately removing stray animals is inhumane and goes against our ethical responsibilities, highlighting the possibility of balancing public safety and animal welfare.
The Supreme Court’s order also mandates the immediate establishment of shelters for stray dogs, including shelter homes designed to accommodate 5,000 dogs. The court also clarified that captured stray dogs will not be returned to the streets. The aim is to eliminate stray dogs from Delhi-NCR to safeguard the public, especially children, women, and senior citizens.
Additionally, the court has ordered daily tracking of the number of dogs captured by the responsible authorities.
Data from the Delhi Municipal Corporation and recent surveys indicate that the stray dog population in Delhi is estimated at about 1 million. The court’s decision comes in response to rising dog populations and an increase in reported dog bites. The ruling has triggered mixed reactions, with some supporting the decision while others oppose it.
PETA India also responded to the Supreme Court’s order. Shaurya Agarwal, PETA India’s Advocacy Associate, stated that with approximately 1 million dogs in Delhi, less than half have been sterilized, raising concerns about the feasibility of housing so many dogs in shelters.