Congress Leader Says Removal of Strays from Delhi-NCR Is a Step Back from Humane Animal Policy
Rahul Gandhi’s Strong Response
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticized the Supreme Court’s order to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR residential areas, calling it a “step back from decades of humane, science-backed policy.”
“These voiceless souls are not ‘problems’ to be erased,” Gandhi posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“Blanket removals are cruel, shortsighted, and strip us of compassion.”
He added that public safety and animal welfare can go hand in hand, and advocated for solutions like shelters, sterilisation, vaccination, and community care rather than forceful removal.
What Did the Supreme Court Say?
The Supreme Court, citing a rise in dog bite cases and rabies deaths, ordered the removal of all stray dogs from public areas in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram. The directive includes:
- All stray dogs must be shifted to dedicated shelters
- Shelters must employ trained professionals
- Dogs must be sterilised and vaccinated
- Organisations obstructing the order will face strict legal action
The bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan emphasized that the move is for public interest, not to be influenced by “sentiments of any nature.”
“Pick up dogs from all localities and shift them to shelters. For the time being, forget the rules,” the court stated.
🐾 Gandhi Family’s Love for Dogs
Rahul Gandhi’s public stance aligns with his personal connection to animals. Known for his affection for dogs:
- His pet Pidi became a social media sensation in 2017
- In 2023, he gifted his mother Sonia Gandhi a dog named Noorie
- A viral photo of him and Priyanka Gandhi’s dog sparked warmth among supporters
Delhi Government’s Response
Following the court’s directive, the Delhi government has instructed civic authorities across:
- Delhi
- Noida
- Ghaziabad
- Gurugram
…to immediately construct shelters, move stray dogs, and submit compliance reports to the court.
The debate over stray dog management in India has now reached the highest levels of policy and judiciary. While the Supreme Court cites urgent public health concerns, leaders like Rahul Gandhi stress the importance of compassionate, science-based solutions. The way forward may need to balance humane treatment with public safety.
Also Read : Supreme Court Orders All Stray Dogs in Delhi-NCR to Be Relocated to Shelters
