In a race against time, animal welfare advocates in Chennai took to the streets in silent protest over the weekend. Their demand was clear: halt an impending government order that mandates the removal of community dogs from public spaces across the city. The contentious deadline for this action is set for January 7, giving authorities just eight weeks to clear areas including hospitals, schools, and railway stations.
Silent Protests Echo Demands for Evidence-Based Policy
On Sunday, demonstrators gathered at two significant locations: Thiruvanmiyur beach and in front of the Vandalur zoo. Their silent rally was a direct appeal to the Supreme Court to issue an interim order against the mass removal or confinement of stray dogs. Leading the voice of the protesters, activist Kirthana Raamsukaesh articulated the core concerns. She argued that such large-scale removal operations are counterproductive, often increasing aggression in dog populations, destabilizing established community dog groups, and critically undermining ongoing rabies control efforts.
"We demand an immediate stay on these directions," Raamsukaesh stated, emphasizing the need for decisions grounded in data and global best practices rather than public panic. The activists are pushing for greater transparency in the decision-making processes that affect both human and animal communities.
The Call for Scientific Solutions Over Panic-Driven Actions
At the heart of the protesters' argument is a plea to return to and properly implement the Animal Birth Control - Anti Rabies Vaccination (ABC-ARV) programme. They champion this method as the only one scientifically validated and legally recognized in India for managing street dog populations and eliminating rabies in a sustainable manner. The activists contend that the current removal directive disregards this established, effective protocol.
Another participant in the rally clarified the movement's inclusive ethos. "Our movement is not about choosing animals over people; it is about protecting both," the activist said. The protest aimed to give a voice to voiceless animals and to advocate for public health policies that are effective, ethical, and sustainable for all residents of Chennai.
Implications and the Path Forward
With the January 7 deadline looming, the standoff highlights a persistent national challenge: balancing public safety concerns with humane and effective animal population control. The activists' rally underscores a significant divide between a panic-driven, removal-based approach and a methodical, vaccination-and-sterilization-based strategy. The outcome of their appeal to the Supreme Court could set a crucial precedent for how Indian cities manage their street animal populations, impacting public health, animal welfare, and community harmony. The coming days will be critical as the legal and ethical arguments are weighed against the impending administrative deadline.
