New Delhi: A demonstration unfolded at India Gate on Sunday, November 9, 2025, as animal rights activists and concerned citizens protested a recent Supreme Court order mandating the removal of stray dogs from public spaces such as schools, hospitals, railway stations, and bus stands. The apex court's directive, issued on November 7, 2025, aims to address the rising number of dog bite incidents across the country, which reportedly peaked at over 1.7 million cases in 2024.
The Supreme Court's order requires local authorities to identify relevant public spaces within two weeks and remove stray dogs within eight weeks. The dogs are to be sterilized, vaccinated and relocated to designated shelters, and authorities are directed to ensure the dogs do not re-enter the locations from where they were removed. The ruling has sparked controversy, pitting concerns for public safety against animal welfare considerations.
Protesters at India Gate held banners and voiced their opposition to what they described as an "inhumane and unscientific" approach to managing the stray dog population. Many argued that mass relocation is not a viable solution and will disrupt community dogs who are cared for by local residents and volunteers. Some protesters were detained by police for demonstrating without prior permission.
The Supreme Court's recent directive contrasts with earlier rulings that permitted the release of sterilized and vaccinated dogs back to their original locations. The court initially focused on sterilization programs but shifted towards total removal due to escalating safety concerns. An earlier order in August 2025 to relocate all strays without releasing them back to the streets led to legal challenges and widespread debate.
Animal rights activists are calling for a more humane and scientific approach, advocating for the strict implementation of Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules, which involve sterilization, vaccination, and the release of community dogs back to their areas. They claim that these rules, enacted under an Act of Parliament, remain in force. Concerns have also been raised regarding the capacity and conditions of existing animal shelters, with some arguing that they are inadequate to house the large number of stray dogs in Delhi. "Delhi has around 10 lakh street dogs. Housing them all in shelters is impossible and will lead to chaos. The removal of dogs itself is an act of cruelty, especially given the poor shelter conditions," warned Shaurya Agrawal, Advocacy Associate at PETA India.
Reactions to the Supreme Court's order have been varied. Maneka Gandhi called the decision a "strange judgment given by someone who is in anger". She pointed out the lack of government-run shelters in Delhi and questioned where the authorities would house the dogs.
The Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against some of the protesters who gathered at India Gate. The charges are related to disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant. Former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung criticized the police action, stating, "You don't file FIR on people protesting to protect animals while you don't do your own job of catching criminals".
The protests at India Gate highlight the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the issue of stray dog management in India. While the Supreme Court's order reflects concerns about public safety, animal rights activists argue for a more compassionate and sustainable approach that prioritizes sterilization, vaccination, and community involvement.
