Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday criticised the Supreme Court’s directive to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR, calling it a regressive move that undermines decades of humane, science-backed animal welfare policies.
“These voiceless souls are not ‘problems’ to be erased. Shelters, sterilisation, vaccination and community care can keep streets safe — without cruelty,” Gandhi wrote on X. He added that blanket removals are “cruel, shortsighted, and strip us of compassion,” stressing that public safety and animal welfare can be achieved together.
The Supreme Court on Monday ordered authorities in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad to immediately start picking up stray dogs and shifting them to shelters. The ruling triggered strong opposition from animal rights groups, who protested at India Gate before being detained by police.
“They don’t want us to talk. I am being detained for feeding animals,” said one caregiver during the protest.
PETA India Advocacy Associate Shaurya Agrawal termed the order “impractical, illogical, and illegal” under animal birth control (ABC) rules. He pointed out that Delhi has around 10 lakh dogs, only half of which are sterilised, and housing them all in shelters is unfeasible.
“Removal of dogs is inhumane, and shelter conditions will be terrible. This will create chaos and more problems,” Agrawal said, adding that PETA is exploring legal measures to challenge the decision.
