Rahul Gandhi Critiques Supreme Court’s Stray Dog Relocation Order

Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress, has expressed strong disapproval of the Supreme Court’s recent directive to remove stray dogs from the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). He characterized the order as a significant regression from decades of humane and scientifically informed approaches to animal welfare. Gandhi’s remarks came on October 3, 2023, shortly after the Supreme Court instructed local authorities to relocate all stray dogs to shelters “at the earliest.”

The Supreme Court described the current situation concerning stray dog bites as “extremely grim,” particularly highlighting the risk of rabies infections among children. In response, Gandhi took to social media platform X, stating, “The SC’s directive to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR is a step back from decades of humane, science-backed policy.” He emphasized that stray dogs should not be seen as “problems” to be eradicated but rather as voiceless beings deserving compassion.

Gandhi proposed a more humane strategy for addressing the issue, advocating for shelters, sterilization, vaccination, and community care to ensure public safety without resorting to cruelty. He stated, “We can ensure public safety and animal welfare go hand in hand.”

Supreme Court’s Directive and Implementation Timeline

The Supreme Court has mandated that the Delhi authorities begin by establishing facilities for approximately 5,000 dogs within the next six to eight weeks. A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan emphasized the need for authorities to expand dog shelters over time. The court warned that any obstruction to this process would result in strict legal action, including potential contempt proceedings.

“If any individual or any organization comes in the way of such force picking up stray dogs and rounding them up, and if it is reported to us, we shall proceed to take strict action against any such resistance which may be offered,” the bench declared. The justices also questioned whether animal rights activists could truly address the lives lost to rabies, stating, “When the situation demands, you have to act.”

The directive was issued as part of a suo motu case taken up by the Supreme Court on July 28, 2023, focusing on the increasing number of stray dog bites leading to rabies cases in the national capital. Following the court’s instructions, the Delhi government and civic bodies in Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad are now tasked with safely relocating stray dogs to designated shelters.

In addition to relocation, the court ordered that these shelters be adequately staffed to ensure proper sterilization, vaccination, and care for the animals. The facilities are also required to have CCTV surveillance to monitor the dogs’ well-being and ensure they remain within the shelter.

As the situation unfolds, the contrasting perspectives of animal welfare advocates and public safety proponents will likely continue to shape the discourse surrounding stray dogs in urban areas.