The Supreme Court’s directive to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR’s streets and confine them to shelters within eight weeks has triggered fierce backlash from animal rights activists, rescuers and political figures, with protests reportedly erupting across the capital on Monday.
A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, citing an "extremely grim" situation, ordered the Delhi government to ensure no strays remain in public spaces, colonies or streets. The court mandated the establishment of shelters for approximately 5,000 dogs, staffed with personnel for sterilisation and immunisation. "We are issuing these directions keeping larger public interest in mind," the bench stressed, emphasising the need to protect “infants, young children should not at any cost fall prey to stray dog bites leading to rabies.”
However, activists and organisations slammed the ruling as "impractical, illogical and illegal." Within hours of the ruling, animal-welfare activists, rescuers and caregivers gathered at India Gate to protest the decision.
Former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi called the judgment "strange" and "given by someone who is in anger." Speaking to ANI, she questioned the logistics, stating there are no government-run shelters in Delhi. "To make those shelters, you have to spend at least Rs 15,000 crore... You'll have to find 3,000 places where no one lives," she said, predicting fierce resistance from feeders and political fallout. She also warned of an influx of unsterilised dogs from neighbouring states.
Demonstrations reflecting public concern unfolded in front of India Gate, where animal rescuers, caregivers and dog lovers gathered to protest the Supreme Court’s order. Delhi Police detained several protesters, including caregiving volunteers who expressed frustration at being silenced for their efforts to feed and care for the city's dogs.
"They don't want us to talk... I am being detained because I do the noble work of feeding animals," said one activist, as reported by ANI. Critics argue the order disregards the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, which prioritise sterilisation and vaccination over removal.
Shaurya Agrawal, Advocacy Associate at PETA India, argued that Delhi’s estimated 10 lakh stray dogs cannot feasibly be housed in shelters. "Removal of dogs is inhumane, is cruelty in itself and the conditions within the shelters are going to be very bad," he was cited by NDTV as saying, adding that the group is exploring legal challenges.
Dr Mini Aravindan, Senior Director of Veterinary Affairs at PETA India, warned that forcibly relocating community dogs would trigger "uproar" among residents who consider them family. "Displacement and jailing of dogs is not scientific and has never worked," she was cited by Live Mint, pointing out that less than half of Delhi’s strays are sterilised. She argued that removing dogs would not curb rabies or bites, as territorial fights and starvation would follow, with dogs eventually returning to their original areas.
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