Following the Supreme Court’s ruling on the growing issue of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR, which mandates the capture and sheltering of these animals within eight weeks, Rahul Gandhi has shared his views. The court’s decision has led to a public response from the Congress leader.
Gandhi took to X to express his opinion, stating that the court’s directive is a step backward from established policies. He believes that these animals are not problems to be solved through elimination.
Gandhi proposed alternatives to the court’s decision, suggesting that shelters, sterilization programs, vaccinations, and community-based care could effectively manage the situation without resorting to cruel methods. He argued that the removal of stray animals without consideration is a cruel act and undermines human compassion, and that it’s possible to ensure both public safety and animal welfare.
The Supreme Court’s order also directs the immediate establishment of shelters for stray dogs. It mandates the creation of shelter homes with a capacity for 5,000 dogs, and stipulates that captured dogs will not be released back onto the streets. The intention is to clear Delhi-NCR of stray dogs to protect vulnerable groups like children, women, and the elderly.
The court has also instructed the responsible departments to maintain a daily count of the dogs captured.
The Delhi Municipal Corporation’s data and recent surveys estimate the stray dog population in Delhi to be around 1 million. The court’s decision addresses concerns about rising dog populations and an increase in reported dog bites. The ruling has triggered mixed reactions within the community.
PETA India’s Advocacy Associate, Shaurya Agarwal, expressed concern over the practicality of the court’s decision, highlighting that with approximately 1 million dogs in Delhi, less than half have undergone sterilization, making housing them in shelters a considerable challenge.