New Delhi, August 13, 2025 — The Supreme Court’s directive to remove stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets and relocate them to shelters has unleashed a storm of criticism. Animal welfare groups, political leaders, and public health experts are warning of severe logistical, ecological, and ethical consequences.
A Logistical and Financial Storm
The order demands relocating an estimated one million stray dogs within six to eight weeks, with costs projected at ₹15,000 crore. Municipal bodies say the target is “impossible without chaos.”
“This is not a plan; it’s a recipe for failure. We don’t have the infrastructure, the staff, or the funds to do this without massive suffering — for both dogs and people,” said an official from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, requesting anonymity.
Humane Approach Discarded
The verdict overturns the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, which promote sterilization, vaccination, and release. Animal rights advocates say it sets India back decades in humane animal management.
“We’ve spent 20 years building a scientific, humane model. In one stroke, it’s been replaced by panic-driven removal. This isn’t animal management — it’s displacement,” said Maneka Gandhi, MP and long-time animal welfare campaigner.
Ecological & Public Health Risks
Experts warn that sudden removal will create a “vacuum effect,” drawing aggressive, unvaccinated dogs into new territories and increasing the risk of rabies outbreaks.
“When you disrupt a stable stray dog population, you invite more unvaccinated and potentially aggressive dogs into the area. Rabies doesn’t respect legal orders,” said Dr. Rajeev Sharma, epidemiologist.
Voices from the Street
In Delhi, protests have broken out against the ruling, with 35–40 activists detained outside Connaught Place. Protesters called the order “inhumane” and “dangerous.”
“These dogs are part of our communities. They protect us, they belong here. Removing them will harm them — and us,” said television actor Rupali Ganguly, joining demonstrators.
Political Pushback
Members of the Gandhi family united in rare consensus to oppose the verdict. Rahul Gandhi called it “short-sighted,” while Priyanka Gandhi said it “ignores empathy as a value in governance.”
“If a nation loses empathy, it slides toward insensitivity. This order is not only unkind, it’s unsafe,” said Rahul Gandhi.
Conflict Within the Supreme Court
On Tuesday, advocate Nanita Sharma brought the matter to the attention of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, highlighting that two different benches of the apex court have issued contradictory directions on stray dog management. She pointed out that a bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and Sanjay Karol had earlier ruled against the indiscriminate killing of canines, stating, “Compassion for all living beings has to be there.”
“I will look into this,” the Chief Justice responded, as quoted by ANI.
Confusion Beyond Delhi
In Panchkula, a sterilization centre reported being “flooded with calls” from residents fearing mass dog removals. Officials stressed that the SC order applies only to Delhi-NCR.
“The level of panic shows how poorly communicated this ruling was. People think their community dogs are about to be taken away overnight,” said a Haryana animal welfare officer.
This verdict, while aimed at safeguarding public safety, has ignited a moral and political firestorm. The coming weeks will test whether authorities can implement the order without triggering the very dangers critics fear.
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