The Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the handling of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR, which involves capturing and sheltering these animals within eight weeks, has drawn criticism from Rahul Gandhi. Following the court’s decision, the Congress leader has publicly commented on the matter.
Gandhi criticized the court’s directive on the social media platform X, stating that it represents a retreat from long-standing policies. He views stray animals as sentient beings, not problems to be eradicated.
Gandhi suggested that alternatives such as shelters, sterilization programs, vaccinations, and community care could safely manage the situation. He emphasized that the removal of stray animals without due consideration is inhumane, and that public safety and animal welfare are not mutually exclusive.
The Supreme Court’s order includes provisions for the swift establishment of shelters for stray dogs, including homes with a capacity for 5,000 dogs, and stipulates that captured dogs will not be returned to the streets. The aim is to create a safer environment for the public, particularly children, women, and the elderly.
The court has also mandated a daily count of the dogs captured by the relevant authorities.
Recent surveys and data from the Delhi Municipal Corporation estimate the stray dog population in Delhi to be approximately 1 million. This ruling comes in response to a rising number of dogs and an increase in dog bite incidents. The decision has generated varied reactions from the public.
PETA India’s Shaurya Agarwal commented on the order, highlighting the practical challenges of housing a large number of dogs. He pointed out that with approximately 1 million dogs in Delhi, less than half have been sterilized, which raises concerns about the feasibility of the court’s plan.