New Delhi: The Supreme Court has directed to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR within eight weeks. Rahul Gandhi criticized this decision of the Supreme Court on Tuesday. Said, that we can ensure that public safety and animal welfare go hand in hand. After this decision of the Supreme Court on Monday, many animal rights organizations also criticized it.
Rahul Gandhi wrote in a post on social media X, “The Supreme Court’s order to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR is a step back from decades of humane and science-backed policy. These voiceless souls are not a “problem” that can be eradicated. Shelter, sterilization, vaccination and community care can keep the streets safe without any cruelty. We can ensure that public safety and animal welfare go hand in hand.” What is the Supreme Court’s decision:
On Monday, the Supreme Court directed the authorities of the National Capital Territory of Delhi to immediately pick up stray dogs from all areas and send them to dog shelters. These instructions will also apply to Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad. The top court’s order states that the dogs should be picked up from the streets and kept in shelters to be built by the concerned authorities.
A bench of Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan said, “Collect all stray dogs from all areas including the outskirts of Delhi and shift them to another place… Whether they are sterilized or not, society should feel free and safe. No stray dog should roam around you.”
Animal rights organizations protested:
Animal rights organizations criticized this decision of the Supreme Court. On Monday, they protested against this order in front of India Gate in Delhi. During the protest, the police took them into custody. Speaking to news agency ANI, PETA India Advocacy Associate, Shaurya Agarwal said that this order is impractical and illogical.
Shaurya Agarwal says, “This particular order is impractical, illogical and also illegal as per the Animal Birth Control Rules. The Delhi government had 24 years to implement these sterilisation programmes and enforce the ABC rules. There are 10 lakh dogs in Delhi and only half of them have been sterilised. Keeping them in shelters is impractical. It is very difficult. This will create chaos and more problems.”
