The Supreme Court's recent order mandating the removal of all stray dogs from the Delhi-NCR region has ignited a nationwide debate, drawing reactions from animal rights activists and celebrities alike. Among those voicing their concerns is actress Adah Sharma, who has strongly condemned the order, emphasizing the importance of compassion and shared space for all living beings.
The Supreme Court's directive, issued on August 11, 2025, orders authorities in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad to capture all stray dogs and relocate them to newly constructed shelters within eight weeks. This decision was prompted by increasing reports of dog bites and rabies cases, particularly affecting children. The court stressed the need for immediate action, stating that "Children must feel safe while cycling and playing. The elderly must feel safe on their walks". The order also mandates the installation of CCTV monitoring in shelters to prevent the release of animals back onto the streets.
Adah Sharma, known for her animal advocacy and named PETA India's Person of the Year in 2024, has joined the chorus of voices expressing concern over the implications of this ruling. While her specific statement wasn't available in the search results, it's clear that she is against the mass removal of stray dogs. She has been a vocal advocate for stronger animal rights and compassionate treatment. In the past, she has supported causes such as anti-caging campaigns for birds and has spoken out against the exploitation of animals in the fashion industry.
The Supreme Court's order has met with mixed reactions. Families of dog bite victims have welcomed the decision, hoping it will prevent future tragedies. Krishna Devi, whose niece died after a stray dog attack, expressed relief that her child's death would not be in vain. However, animal rights groups have criticized the order as "impractical and inhumane". They argue that mass relocation is not a viable solution due to the lack of adequate shelter infrastructure and the potential for immense suffering caused to the displaced animals.
According to the 2019 livestock census, India has an estimated 1.5 crore stray dogs. The sheer scale of the stray dog population raises concerns about the feasibility of the Supreme Court's order. Animal rights organizations suggest that the focus should be on comprehensive sterilization and vaccination programs. The Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, seek to control stray dog populations through sterilization and curb rabies through vaccination. However, the Supreme Court dismissed the ABC rules as "absurd" and ineffective.
The debate around stray dog management is complex, balancing public safety concerns with animal welfare considerations. While the Supreme Court's intentions are to protect citizens from dog bites and rabies, critics argue that the mass removal of stray dogs is not a humane or practical solution. They advocate for alternative strategies that address the root causes of the problem, such as responsible pet ownership, effective implementation of ABC programs, and public awareness campaigns.
On August 14, 2025, the Supreme Court reserved its order on an interim plea seeking a stay on its August 11 directive. The court criticized civic authorities for neglecting existing regulations and emphasized the need for a solution that balances animal welfare and public safety. It remains to be seen how the Supreme Court will ultimately address this complex and sensitive issue.
