The Supreme Court’s recent directive to capture 5,000 stray dogs in Delhi-NCR and relocate them to designated shelters within six weeks has triggered a wave of mixed reactions. While some residents welcome the move, hoping for safer and cleaner streets, animal welfare activists and NGOs have condemned the decision, calling it cruel and impractical.
Activists take to the streets in protest
As news of the order spread, animal rights groups, NGOs, and independent volunteers swiftly mobilised. Protesters gathered at prominent locations, including India Gate, voicing their opposition to what they see as an “inhumane” and “unrealistic” plan. They recieved support from animals lovers and activists all over India.
Videos circulated online show activists urging citizens to join the movement and “be the voice for the voiceless.” By evening, crowds swelled, with police vans deployed nearby to manage the gathering and prevent overcrowding.
Concerns over feasibility and legality
Critics argue that the Supreme Court’s plan not only clashes with existing animal welfare laws but also lacks the necessary infrastructure for proper implementation. One Instagram user’s viral post stated, “The plan is fundamentally flawed. It clashes with legal norms, demands massive infrastructure that doesn’t exist, and ignores gaps in sterilisation efforts. It risks being both inhumane and counterproductive.”
Many experts fear that removing such a large number of strays in a short time frame could lead to overcrowded shelters, inadequate care, and potential violations of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
Public opinion remains divided
Supporters of the decision argue that Delhi-NCR’s stray dog population has been a long-standing public safety issue, with rising cases of dog bites and traffic accidents. They believe the order will help reduce such incidents and improve urban hygiene. On the other hand, opponents stress that mass removals will not address the root causes, such as poor waste management and insufficient sterilisation drives.
With protests intensifying and online petitions gaining traction, the coming weeks may see legal challenges to the order. Activists are calling for a more humane, long-term strategy focusing on sterilisation, vaccination, and community awareness rather than mass detention. Whether the Supreme Court will revisit its decision remains to be seen, but the debate over Delhi-NCR’s stray dog policy is far from over.
