In the wake of the Supreme Court's recent order mandating the removal of stray dogs from the streets of Delhi and nearby NCR areas to animal shelters, Bollywood actresses Daisy Shah and Sadia Khateeb have voiced their strong disapproval, joining a chorus of animal welfare groups and activists. The Supreme Court's directive came in response to a reported surge in dog-bite incidents and rabies cases in the capital, with figures suggesting up to 2,000 cases daily. The court has instructed that all stray dogs, whether sterilized or not, be removed from public spaces and housed in shelters within eight weeks.
Sadia Khateeb, known for her roles in "Raksha Bandhan" and "Shikara," took to her Instagram Stories to express her dismay. She questioned the authority behind the decision, stating, "Who is giving them this right? Let's raise our voices together". Her message reflects the sentiments of many who view the order as inhumane and counterproductive. Animal rights advocates argue that such mass removals contravene established Animal Birth Control (ABC) guidelines and could overwhelm already strained animal shelters, jeopardizing the lives of the animals.
Daisy Shah, an avid animal lover who often feeds stray animals, has also been a vocal advocate for their welfare. In the past, Shah has actively participated in stray pet adoption fairs, emphasizing the importance of providing homes for these animals. She has also spoken about the need for proper garbage segregation to prevent animals from consuming harmful waste. While specific recent comments from Daisy Shah regarding the SC order are not available in the provided context, her long-standing commitment to animal welfare suggests a likely alignment with Khateeb's concerns. In 2019, Daisy Shah attended a stray pet adoption fair in Mumbai, stressing the importance of preserving Indian breeds of dogs. She adopted a puppy from the fair the previous year and is a strong proponent of the "adopt, don't shop" philosophy.
The current debate highlights the tension between public safety concerns and animal rights. While the Supreme Court's order aims to address the rising incidents of dog bites and rabies, animal welfare advocates argue that mass relocation is not a sustainable or ethical solution. They propose that focusing on consistent implementation of ABC programs, responsible pet ownership, and public awareness campaigns would be more effective in the long run.
The Animal Birth Control (ABC) program involves sterilizing stray dogs and vaccinating them against rabies before releasing them back into their territories. This method helps to control the population of stray dogs and reduces the risk of rabies transmission. Animal rights activists say that mass removals violate ABC guidelines and could lead to overcrowded and under-resourced shelters, putting the dogs' lives at risk.
The concerns raised by Sadia Khateeb and, presumably, Daisy Shah, resonate with a larger movement advocating for compassion and reform in the treatment of stray animals. It remains to be seen whether this collective outcry will prompt a reconsideration of the Supreme Court's order. It is important to note that, beyond high-profile reactions, numerous individuals and organizations work tirelessly to support stray animals, including providing food, medical care, and shelter.
