New Delhi: Animal rights organisation PETA India strongly criticised the Supreme Court’s recent directive ordering the removal of stray dogs from all localities in Delhi NCR, calling the move "unscientific" and warning it will lead to widespread chaos for communities and suffering for animals.
The group said that forced displacement "has NEVER worked" and urged the authorities to focus instead on implementing an effective sterilisation and vaccination programme.
Have a look at their entire statement here:
Here's What PETA Said
According to PETA India, neighbourhood dogs are often regarded as part of the community, and removing them will spark uproar among residents who care for them. Citing a 2022–23 population survey, the organisation said that Delhi has around 10 lakh community dogs, with less than half sterilised.
"Forced removal of some 10 lakh community dogs from Delhi's streets will cause uproar in communities that care deeply for them and chaos and suffering for the dogs on a large scale," it said in its statement.
PETA also argued that the logistics of sheltering such large numbers are "impractical" and would do little to address the root issues of rabies control or dog bite incidents.
The group further pointed out that displaced dogs often return to their territories, and competition for resources can trigger more aggression and starvation. "Instead of wasting time, effort, and public resources on ineffective and inhumane displacement drives, an effective sterilisation programme is still the solution and urgent need," PETA added.
Supreme Court Says Public Safety Over Sentiment
On Monday, August 11, a Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan directed the Delhi government, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to "at the earliest start picking up stray dogs from all localities" and, if necessary, "create a force" to execute the task.
The order prioritised making "all localities free of stray dogs" and warned that those obstructing the drive, including individuals and organisations, could face contempt proceedings.
The Court further instructed the authorities to establish dog shelters within eight weeks, staffed adequately for sterilisation and immunisation, with CCTV monitoring. Responding to concerns from activists, the Bench questioned whether they could "bring back those who have fallen prey to rabies," emphasising that the action was "for public interest" and advising that dogs be shifted to "far-off places."
PETA countered that had the Delhi government effectively implemented sterilisation since it was mandated in 2001, there would "hardly be any dogs on the road today" and that it was "not too late" to act on a humane, sustainable solution.
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