Rooted in Scientific Reasoning: Animal Lovers including RaGa, Maneka Welcome Modified SC Order on Stray Dogs

New Delhi- On Friday, a three-judge Bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria modified its earlier directions mandating the capture and complete relocation of stray dogs in the Delhi-NCR region. Under the revised order, stray dogs must be released back into their original territory after sterilisation and vaccination, except in cases where they are rabid or exhibit aggressive behaviour. The Bench, which last week reserved its verdict in the case, also stressed the need to earmark designated feeding zones for stray dogs, while restricting public feeding in undesignated areas.

Several people from politicians to celebrities and members from the entertainment industry have welcomed the Supreme Court’s revised order regarding stray dogs in the Delhi/ NCR region, according to which the stray dogs will be sterilised, vaccinated, deformed, and then released back into the areas from where they were picked up.

Senior Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday welcomed the modified order describing it as "progressive and rooted in scientific reasoning." In a post on X on Friday, LoP Gandhi said, “I welcome the Supreme Court’s revised directions on stray dogs, as it marks a progressive step toward balancing animal welfare and public safety. The approach is both compassionate and rooted in scientific reasoning.” Earlier LoP Rahul Gandhi had earlier criticised the Supreme Court’s initial directive for the blanket removal of stray dogs, calling it a “cruel” step that undermines decades of humane, science-backed policy of the country.

Despite the modified directions, the Bench upheld its earlier stand that any organisation or individual obstructing the removal of stray dogs would face strict legal consequences. It further directed that every individual dog lover seeking intervention in the case must deposit Rs 25,000 with the court registry, while NGOs must deposit Rs 2 lakh. Failure to do so would bar them from participating in the proceedings -- a measure aimed at discouraging frivolous applications.

Animal rights activist and former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi welcomed the modified directions on the management of stray dogs in the Delhi-NCR region, calling it a "practical step" compared to the earlier order, which had mandated the capture and relocation of all stray dogs. Maneka Gandhi said, “I am very happy with the Supreme Court’s new decision because the earlier order was not feasible to implement. Capturing all dogs and relocating them elsewhere is simply impossible.” Gandhi said that stray dogs return to areas where food sources exist, such as illegal chicken, fish, and meat shops. "Even if dogs are picked up from one locality, others will replace them because food waste is readily available. Then these new dogs, unfamiliar with their surroundings, often become aggressive as they don’t know who will feed them or harm them," she said.

Highlighting the ongoing problem, Gandhi noted that the earlier order would have only worsened the situation. "Meat and fish shops, many operating without licenses, throw waste and blood on the streets. This attracts dogs and sustains them. Without tackling these root issues, relocating dogs doesn’t solve anything," she stated. Gandhi lauded the revised order, which reinstates the long-standing practice followed for nearly 25 years—capturing, sterilising, vaccinating, and releasing dogs back in the same area. "This is the only sustainable solution," she told IANS. However, Gandhi raised questions about the definition of "aggressive dogs", a category mentioned in the Court’s order. "Often, people complain a dog is aggressive simply because it stared at them or approached their car. But what truly defines aggression? The Supreme Court will have to clarify this in the next session," she said.

She also expressed concern about the 800 dogs reportedly picked up by the MCD in the last two weeks. "These dogs have vanished. They were not kept in any shelter but dumped along the Yamuna riverbanks, where water levels are rising. No one knows what has happened to them. If they were indeed aggressive, then why were they left in the open? This contradicts the law itself, as they can wander into nearby colonies," she added. On the issue of feeding strays, Gandhi welcomed the Court’s reiteration that it should be done only at designated spots. "It's a great step that specific places should be allotted for feeding so that residents are not inconvenienced. What we need is proper implementation," she said. She further revealed that several Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres had written to the authorities stating that they lack sufficient space to manage the rising number of sterilisation cases, underscoring the urgent need to expand infrastructure.

Taking to the stories section of her Instagram stories, Raveena Tandon thanked the apex court for reconsidering its verdict. “Dogesh bhai! Tum aage bahdo! Hum Tumhare saath hain (We are with you)! Better sense has prevailed. Thank you #cji #supremecourt. Now make sure the programmes and monies allocated for vaccinations and sterilisations are implemented rightly," she wrote.

Comedian and actor, Vir Das, took to his X timeline and penned: “Thank you to the Supreme Court of India for supporting the process of sterilisation, vaccination and a safe return of our community dogs to their neighbourhood. Hopefully the municipality can be speedy about creating dedicated feeding areas and also rely on multiple dog trainers and behaviourists in delhi and nationwide for behavioural modification and community integration, it is nice to know our voiceless dogs can rely on your empathy and balance.”

Popular television actress, Rupali Ganguly, also expressed her happiness, saying, “A big win for compassion! Grateful to the Hon’ble Supreme Court for modifying its order, allowing sterilisation & release of stray dogs in Delhi. This step not only safeguards people from rabies & overpopulation risks but also lets our voiceless companions live with dignity. True progress is when compassion & safety walk hand in hand.”