New Delhi: A wave of relief spread across Delhi-NCR on Friday following the Supreme Court’s interim order in the ongoing stray dog controversy. A three-judge
bench modified its earlier order from August 11, which had called for the capture and relocation of stray dogs to government shelters. In the latest ruling, the Court said that sterilised dogs should be released back onto the same street, except for those that are infected with rabies or reported to be aggressive, who will be kept under observation. Sonali Gaba, who runs a dog shelter, welcomed the Court's decision, said, "We had faith that the SC would rule in our favour. You cannot label every dog as aggressive without proof. We’re also happy about the creation of designated feeding areas—this ensures dogs can be cared for without objection."
Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Maneka Gandhi said she was happy with the order, but said the Supreme Court did not define "what an aggressive dog is."
She said," This needs to be defined... It is absolutely right (order to create designated feeding areas). They (civic authority) also have to put up signboards for such designated areas... The court has stated that its ruling applies throughout the country..."
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"As per the order, the municipal corporations will have to set up proper ABC (Animal Birth Control) centres. For the first time in 25 years, the government stated in Parliament that it is allocating Rs 2,500 crores for this program...," she added.
Concern: Who Decides What 'Aggressive' Means?
Despite the relief, several animal activists expressed concern over how authorities will determine if a dog is aggressive. One activist told Times Now: “What is the criteria for calling a dog aggressive? If anyone files a complaint, will that be enough? Civic authorities might act on it without consulting local NGOs and feeders who know these dogs well.”Activists argue that regional NGOs and feeders must be consulted, as they regularly interact with the animals and understand their behaviour. They also raised a valid question:
“If a dog attacks someone in self-defence after being provoked or harmed, will it still be labelled aggressive?”
The previous order had sparked widespread protests by dog lovers and animal welfare activists, who argued that relocating the animals was inhumane and impractical.
