The issue of stray dogs in India has once again come to the forefront, with recent court orders in Delhi and Madras highlighting the ongoing struggle to balance public safety and animal welfare.
In Delhi, the Supreme Court has ordered the immediate removal of thousands of stray dogs from the capital region, citing increasing cases of dog bites and a concerning rabies toll. The court has directed civic authorities to capture all strays, sterilize and vaccinate them, and relocate them to newly constructed shelters within eight weeks. The order emphasizes the need for immediate action to ensure the safety of children and the elderly. Justice JB Pardiwala stated there should be no exceptions and warned that anyone obstructing the removal of dogs would face charges. The Delhi mayor has welcomed the order and stated that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will implement it in a phased manner. The initial focus will be on removing dogs infected with rabies or prone to biting. However, animal protection groups have criticized the order as "impractical and inhumane". Some residents also argue that the dogs offer protection and are not a danger. Dozens of protestors have already been detained for demonstrating against the Supreme Court's ruling. Concerns have also been raised regarding the lack of infrastructure and resources to handle the relocation and sheltering of so many dogs. Delhi has only 20 operational shelters with a capacity of 2,500 dogs. Investigations have revealed that the MCD-run sterilization centers are overcrowded and poorly maintained.
Meanwhile, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has indicated it will consider directing the Tamil Nadu government to implement a similar policy to the Supreme Court's order in Delhi. The court was hearing petitions related to stray animals, including stray cattle, street dogs, and incidents of dog bites within a temple. Petitioners presented data indicating that Tamil Nadu has recorded 3.67 lakh dog bites and 20 rabies-related deaths this year. The court's reference to the Supreme Court's Delhi order suggests that Tamil Nadu may soon see court-mandated protocols for street dog management, impacting municipal responsibilities, sterilization efforts, shelter management, and public awareness campaigns. The court is expected to issue its final directions after reviewing the Supreme Court's ruling. This possible directive has also sparked mixed reactions, with animal welfare activists expressing concerns about the state's lack of resources to manage a large street dog population.
The situation reflects the complex challenges surrounding stray dog management in India. On one hand, there is a need to protect public safety and reduce the risk of dog bites and rabies. On the other hand, animal welfare advocates argue for humane treatment of animals and the implementation of animal birth control (ABC) programs. There are conflicting views on the effectiveness of ABC rules, which mandate that sterilized dogs be returned to their territories. Concerns also exist about the capacity and conditions of existing animal shelters. The Madras High Court has previously addressed the issue of stray dogs on its own campus, seeking suggestions from advocates on how to regulate the problem while balancing animal welfare and public safety. The court has acknowledged the fear expressed by lawyers and litigants, especially women, regarding the presence of stray dogs.
Ultimately, finding a sustainable solution requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both public safety concerns and animal welfare considerations. This includes effective implementation of ABC programs, improving the infrastructure and management of animal shelters, promoting public awareness and responsible pet ownership, and addressing the root causes of stray dog populations.
