By Soumya Ranjan The Chief Justice was informed of an earlier court judgment that prohibited stray dog relocation and killing.
New Delhi: In the face of criticism from various segments of society, Chief Justice of India BR Gavai promised to reconsider the ban on stray dogs on Delhi-NCR streets. In response to an increase in dog bites and rabies cases, the top court on Monday ordered that all stray dogs be moved from residential areas to shelters, eliciting conflicting responses.
Animal activists contended that civic organizations lacked the resources for such a shifting exercise, while Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) applauded the order.
The Chief Justice was consulted on the matter this morning. A previous court order that prohibited the killing and relocation of stray dogs and required adherence to existing laws was also explained to him.
Thousands of animal lovers disagreed with the top court over the necessity of removing dogs from Delhi-NCR streets, but the Chief Justice responded, “I will look into this,” adding to their hopes.
The example the attorney cited is a May 2024 ruling by a Justice JK Maheshwari bench that noted, “Exhibiting compassion to all living beings is a Constitutional value.” The bench had previously sent similar petitions to High Courts.
A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan issued the decision on Monday after considering news reports about the increase in dog bite cases.
The bench had stated that no petitions from dog owners or any other group would be considered, stating that “we need to pick up round up with whatever means to ensure dog-free locality, and that’s how children and the elderly will feel safe.”
“We’re not doing this to benefit ourselves. The public interest is served. Therefore, no feelings of any kind should be expressed. The earliest possible action should be taken, Justice Pardiwala stated.
Civil society members, including politicians and celebrities, reacted angrily to the order. Actor John Abraham sent an urgent appeal to the CJI asking for a review of the order issued on Monday.
Maneka Gandhi, a former Union minister and animal activist, described the top court’s ruling as “impractical,” “financially unviable,” and “potentially harmful” to the ecological balance of the area.
The nation’s leading voice for animal rights, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), also had something to say. A senior PETA physician cautioned that such widespread displacement is ineffectual and unscientific.
Communities view neighborhood dogs as members of the family, and evicting and imprisoning dogs is not a scientific solution and has never been successful.Additionally, it will ultimately have no effect on reducing the number of dogs, rabies cases, or dog bite incidents, according to a statement made by Dr. Mini Aravindan, Senior Director of Veterinary Affairs for PETA India.