The Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai, has promised to review the ban on stray dogs in the Delhi-NCR area due to strong reactions from different parts of the community. On Monday, the Supreme Court instructed that all stray dogs in residential areas be moved to shelters because of an increase in dog bites and rabies cases, leading to varied responses. Resident Welfare Associations were pleased with the ruling, while animal rights advocates contended that the local authorities did not have enough money for such relocation efforts. This matter was brought up in front of the Chief Justice this morning, who was informed about a prior court ruling that prohibited the moving and killing of stray dogs and required compliance with existing laws. "I will look into this," the Chief Justice said, raising hopes among many animal lovers who disagreed with the court’s decision to remove dogs from the streets of Delhi-NCR.
The example mentioned by the lawyer refers to a ruling from May 2024 by Justice JK Maheshwari, which had sent similar cases to High Courts and noted, "Showing kindness to all living beings is a Constitutional principle." The order issued on Monday came from a panel of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, who acknowledged news articles about the rise in dog bite incidents. "We need to take every possible action to ensure areas are free of dogs, so that children and the elderly can feel safe," the panel stated, emphasizing that they would not consider petitions from dog supporters or any other group. "This is not for us; it’s for the community's benefit. Therefore, no feelings should influence this matter. We need to act quickly," Justice Pardiwala remarked. This ruling sparked a significant backlash from the public, including politicians and famous figures. Actor John Abraham submitted an urgent request to the Chief Justice asking for a reconsideration of Monday's ruling.
Former Union minister Maneka Gandhi, who is also an animal rights advocate, criticized the Supreme Court's directive as "unrealistic," "financially unfeasible," and "potentially detrimental" to the local ecosystem. PETA, the leading advocate for animal rights in the country, also expressed its views. A senior PETA veterinarian warned that such a large-scale removal of dogs is both unscientific and ineffective. "Communities regard local dogs as part of their family, and relocating and imprisoning them is not based on science and has NEVER been successful… It will not help control the dog population, decrease rabies, or stop dog bite occurrences," Dr. Mini Aravindan, Senior Director of Veterinary Affairs at PETA India, stated.
