Congress leader Rahul Gandhi labelled the Supreme Court’s order to shift Delhi-NCR stray dogs from the streets to shelters as a “step back from science-backed policy” and said that their removals are “cruel
and shortsighted”.
“The SC’s directive to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR is a step back from decades of humane, science-backed policy. These voiceless souls are not “problems” to be erased. Shelters, sterilisation, vaccination & community care can keep streets safe – without cruelty. Blanket removals are cruel, shortsighted, and strip us of compassion. We can ensure public safety and animal welfare go hand in hand,” Rahul Gandhi posted on X.
The SC’s directive to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR is a step back from decades of humane, science-backed policy.
These voiceless souls are not “problems” to be erased.
Shelters, sterilisation, vaccination & community care can keep streets safe – without cruelty.Blanket…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 12, 2025
His remarks came a day after the top court, in a suo motu case on the rising stray dog problems in Delhi-NCR, directed the government and civic bodies in Noida, Gururam, and Ghaziabad to pick up stray dogs, sterilise them, and move them permanently to shelters within eight weeks. The court also issued a stern warning against any attempts to block the authorities from carrying out this drive.
Several leaders from various political parties have expressed their opinions on the top court’s order.
Other Leaders React
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram hailed the top court’s order and said, “Hope this is the beginning of serious & concerted action #StrayDogs”.
TMC MP Saket Gokhale called the order “arbitrary” passed “without any larger consultative process”.
“The issue of management of stray dogs as well as safety of people is definitely a matter of concern. However, it is not something that can be resolved by arbitrary orders passed by the judiciary without any larger consultative process. Also, subjecting defenseless animals to wanton cruelty can never be a solution. We have sufficient laws in the country to deal with the issue of stray dogs and their sterilization as well as population control. And I agree that it is a very important issue where the welfare and safety of common people is concerned. However, the failure of municipal authorities to implement these laws and do their job cannot and should not become a reason for the judiciary to impose cruel and inhumane directions,” he posted on X.
The court’s order also left the internet divided and triggered a heated debate online.
