Rahul Gandhi Slams SC Stray Dog Removal Order As ‘Cruel, Shortsighted’

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (12 August) criticised the Supreme Court’s directive to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR, calling it “a step back from decades of humane, science-backed policy.”

He urged authorities to prioritise shelters, sterilisation, vaccination, and community care over mass removals, reported Hindustan Times.

“The SC’s directive to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR is a step back from decades of humane, science-backed policy. These voiceless souls are not ‘problems’ to be erased,” Rahul posted on X.

He added, “Shelters, sterilisation, vaccination & community care can keep streets safe – without cruelty. Blanket removals are cruel, shortsighted, and strip us of compassion.”

The Supreme Court ordered authorities in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram to “round up all stray dogs” and house them in shelters, whether sterilised or not, to ensure public safety. The bench, led by Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, cited an “alarming” rise in stray dog attacks and warned of contempt action against anyone obstructing the capture drive.

The Court also directed the creation of a helpline to register dog bite complaints, requiring the offending animal to be picked up within four hours.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta supported the order, calling the stray menace “gigantic.” Mayor Iqbal Singh pledged to implement the directive within six weeks, despite a lack of shelter homes, and promised an action plan.

Animal rights groups, including PETA India, condemned the ruling as “impractical, illogical, and illegal,” warning it would cause “chaos and suffering” for both dogs and residents.

Also Read: Supreme Court Orders Immediate Removal Of Stray Dogs Across Delhi-NCR