The Supreme Court’s recent order to round up stray dogs in Delhi-NCR has sparked intense debate, prompting Chief Justice of India BR Gavai to pledge a review of the issue. The directive, aimed at addressing the rising stray dog menace, has drawn sharp criticism from animal welfare advocates, highlighting tensions between public safety and animal rights.
Supreme Court’s Stray Dog Ruling Faces Backlash
On Monday, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan described the stray dog situation in Delhi-NCR as “grim,” calling for urgent action.
The court, acting on its own initiative after reports of dog bites and rabies cases, mandated civic authorities to relocate all stray dogs to shelters within an eight-week timeframe.
This decision has ignited a firestorm of criticism from animal welfare activists and NGOs, who argue that mass relocation could harm the animals and fail to address root causes like inadequate sterilization efforts.
The controversy intensified as activists voiced concerns over the feasibility and ethical implications of the court’s directive. Many NGOs emphasized that regular sterilization and vaccination programs could better manage the stray dog population while ensuring their welfare.
Chief Justice Responds to Growing Concerns
On Wednesday, a 2024 petition highlighting the lack of consistent sterilization and vaccination by Delhi’s civic bodies was brought before Chief Justice BR Gavai’s court.
The petition, which had already prompted a notice in July 2024, underscored the connection between insufficient sterilization and rising dog bite incidents. Addressing the plea, CJI Gavai acknowledged the issue, stating, “I will look into it.”
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However, he referenced the recent Supreme Court judgment on stray dog relocation, leaving uncertainty about whether his review would focus on the petition or the broader controversy surrounding the court’s order.
While the Chief Justice’s assurance signals potential reconsideration, the matter has not yet been scheduled for a formal hearing.
The court’s next steps will likely be closely watched as stakeholders seek a balanced solution to the stray dog challenge in Delhi-NCR.
