Mass Protest at India Gate Against Stray Dog Removal Directive
Hundreds of citizens gathered at India Gate in New Delhi on Sunday to voice their strong opposition to the recent Supreme Court order mandating the removal of all stray dogs from educational institutions, hospitals, and transportation hubs across the country.
Supreme Court's Groundbreaking Order
The protest comes in response to the Supreme Court's November 7 directive that ordered all states and Union Territories to ensure the complete removal of stray dogs from educational institutions, hospitals, public sports complexes, bus stands, and railway stations. A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria issued this order while considering what they described as the "alarming rise of dog bite incidents" across the nation.
The court specifically mandated that all these institutions and public places must be properly fenced to prevent the entry of stray dogs. In a significant move, the bench ordered that stray dogs should not be released back to the same locations from which they were collected, stating that permitting their return would "frustrate the very purpose" of securing such premises and addressing public safety concerns.
Citizens Voice Their Concerns
One protestor, speaking to ANI, made his position clear by stating, "I don't call myself an animal lover or a dog lover. I am a citizen of this country, and I am here for the sake of humanity." He challenged the basis of the Supreme Court order by pointing out that in the last three years, there have been no deaths due to Rabies according to the court's own previous findings.
The protestor accused authorities of relying on fake reports to justify the relocation of dogs, which he believes will only escalate the problem rather than solve it. He expressed frustration that while pressing issues like pollution remain unaddressed, the government is targeting animals that cannot speak or vote.
"I demand that the government adopt scientific and logical solutions, and that the Supreme Court not make a joke of itself," he asserted, emphasizing that sterilization represents a more humane and effective approach compared to relocation.
Implementation and Accountability Measures
The Supreme Court has placed the responsibility of implementation on local government institutions, directing them to collect stray dogs from the specified areas and transfer them to designated dog shelters after completing vaccination and sterilization procedures in accordance with the Animal Birth Control Rules.
In a move that underscores the seriousness of the directive, the court has made Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories personally responsible for ensuring strict compliance with the order. The bench made it clear that officers would be held accountable if they fail to implement the measures effectively.
The court's firm stance and the resulting public protest highlight the ongoing tension between public safety concerns and animal welfare considerations in urban India, setting the stage for continued debate about the most appropriate and humane methods for managing street dog populations.
