Dozens Detained in Delhi Over Protest Against Supreme Court’s Stray-Dog Relocation Order

In the heart of New Delhi, around 40–50 animal rights activists and dog lovers were detained during a protest at India Gate, voicing strong opposition to the Supreme Court’s recent directive ordering the relocation of stray dogs to shelter homes within eight weeks.

The protest stemmed from deep concern over the Court’s ruling, which mandates authorities across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad to capture stray dogs, sterilize and vaccinate them, and shift them to designated shelters. Crucially, the ruling stipulates that none of the dogs—sterilized or otherwise—may be returned to the streets. Authorities have been given an eight-week deadline and warned of strict legal repercussions for anyone obstructing the process.

Protesters criticized what they described as misleading coverage of the situation and contested official claims about rabies deaths. They highlighted that government data for 2024 reported only 54 suspected rabies fatalities—figures they believe were sensationalized to justify the relocation directive.

The Supreme Court, however, maintained that the threat is serious. Citing rising rabies cases and daily dog bite incidents—especially among children—the Court emphasized the urgency for decisive action. It rejected existing Animal Birth Control (ABC) norms as ineffective and called for a zero-tolerance approach to ensure public safety.

This standoff highlights a widening rift in public discourse: the Court and public health officials prioritise safety and mitigating rabies, while animal advocates urge a more humane approach through sterilization, vaccination, and coexistence.

The detained protesters represent just one front of an ongoing national debate—poring over how best to balance public welfare with ethical treatment of urban wildlife.