Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has junked the Supreme Court’s order on stray dogs, saying that it is neither “backed by science” nor it is “humane”. He also said that the “voiceless souls aren’t problems to be erased” and suggested methods that can help keep the “streets safe” and that too, “without cruelty”. 

The Supreme Court on Monday took suo motu cognisance of the dog-bite related fatalities and ordered the removal of street dogs from Delhi-NCR and their shift to dog shelters within eight weeks. 

It further said that the shelter homes must have enough people for sterilisation and immunisation of street dogs, adding that the area would be under CCTV surveillance. “How to do it is for the authorities to look into, and if they have to create a force, they shall do it at the earliest.” 

The top court further said that it would take action against those who come in the way of picking up dogs. 

Reacting to this, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta said that the government will relocate stray dogs through a comprehensive, well-structured plan. Delhi Mayor Iqbal Singh said that the relocation of stray dogs to shelters would be done in six weeks, in a phased manner.

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‘Cruel, shortsighted, lacks compassion’

“The SC’s directive to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR is a step back from decades of humane, science-backed policy,” Rahul Gandhi wrote on Twitter (now X). 

He added that the dogs aren’t problems and that the blanket removal is “shortsighted” and lacks “compassion”. 

“These voiceless souls are not ‘problems’ to be erased. Blanket removals are cruel, shortsighted, and strip us of compassion,” he further said, before suggesting, “Shelters, sterilisation, vaccination & community care can keep streets safe – without cruelty.”

He expressed, “We can ensure public safety and animal welfare go hand in hand.”

TMC MP Saket Gokhale has written to the Chief Justice of India over the apex court’s order and urged for a review by the “larger bench”.  He argued that the small time frame might lead to the creation of substandard shelters, which might “consign them to a certain death in extremely inhumane conditions”. 

He further suggested the constitution of a committee to better implement this and also to allow intervention applications from stakeholders for a holistic approach towards this matter. 

‘Horrendously inhumane’

Priyanka Gandhi too voiced her concerns over the SC order, saying that it would lead to “horrendously inhumane treatment” of dogs. She added, “Enough shelters do not even exist to take them on.”

“As it is, animals in urban surroundings are subjected to ill treatment and brutality. Surely there is a better way to manage the situation, and a humane way can be found in which these innocent animals are looked after and kept safe as well,” she further added.

Priyanka Gandhi said that dogs are “beautiful and gentle creatures” and that they “do not deserve cruelty”.

‘Dog hater’s verdict’

Journalist Barkha Dutt has termed the Supreme Court order as the “dog hater’s verdict”. She went on to say that the order is “terribly over simplistic”. 

“The supreme court’s order on stray dogs is terribly over simplistic and displays no understanding of how neighbourhoods and communities are organised and animals are beloved to local spaces, often fed and looked after & protecting people back in return. A dog hater’s verdict,” she wrote on X. 

Activist Pankaj Pandey says, “I respect the Supreme Court, but since the BJP government came to power in Delhi, it has worked against the dogs. These dogs have been living with us for years, yet their sterilisation and vaccination were neglected. Who will take accountability if they die in shelters?”

‘Jailing of dogs is not scientific’: PETA

PETS said that “jailing of dogs is not scientific” as “displacement has never worked” as a solution for street dogs. 

“Had the Delhi government implemented an effective dog sterilisation program, there would hardly be any dogs on the road today, but it would not be too late to start implementing an effective sterilisation program now,” the animal rights organisation added. 

Instead of relocation, PETA suggested ramping up sterilisation drives and shutting down illegal pet shops and breeders, which contribute to animal abandonment and, in turn, lead to more strays.

However, the Supreme Court order also has its share of supporters, with many voicing strong approval.

‘Make streets free and safe for people’

Rajya Sabha MP P Chidambaram said that the order should be implemented pan-India to make streets “free and safe” for people. 

“The Supreme Court’s directions on stray dogs must be implemented in every city and town. It is not difficult to round up stray dogs and put them in proper dog shelters. All that a town needs is government or municipal land on the outskirts of a town; levelling the land and fencing it; and putting the dogs in the enclosed space,” he wrote on X.

Chidambaram underscored that while the order should be implemented, there should also be provisions for food and water. 

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Former Union Minister Vijay Goel welcomed the order on stray dogs and claimed that not a single dog was seen on the streets during the G20. 

“People ask – how can lakhs of stray dogs be sent to shelters in 8 weeks? I say – just like during the G20, when not a single dog was seen on the streets, if the government has the will,” he said. 

‘Those upset with SC order should…’

Columnist Shefali Vaidya slammed those who are “upset” with the SC order, suggesting such people should take the stray dogs home and feed them. 

“If you are this upset with the SC decision to take the strays off the road, please take a few into your homes and give the dogs a loving home,” she said in an open letter for “stray dog lovers”. 

The letter, “signed” by two dogs – a Cocker Spaniel, and a stray dog which she adopted, further says that feeding dogs “stale chapatis” doesn’t make one an “animal activist”. 

Vaidya added, “Shell out for their vaccinations, training and treatment. Put your money where your mouth is. Feeding stray dogs stale chapatis from your home does NOT make you an animal activist!”  

One social media user shared a video of a girl mauled by street dogs and asked, “How many dog lovers showed up at India Gate with candles?” before revealing that as many as 37 lakh such attacks have taken place in a year. 

“If you truly care for them, adopt and take them home. Otherwise, spare us the drama,” he suggested. 

SC’s directive on leftover food

The Supreme Court, today, August 12, has issued another directive saying that there should be a complete disposal of leftover food inside the court premises to prevent animal bites. 

“All leftover food items must be disposed of exclusively in properly covered dustbins. Under no circumstances should food be discarded in open areas or uncovered containers. This measure is crucial to prevent animals from being attracted to and scavenging for food, thereby significantly reducing the risk of bites and maintaining hygiene standards. Your cooperation in implementing this directive is essential for the safety of all,” the circular read.