The Supreme Court’s verdict on the relocation of the stray dogs to the shelters in Delhi-NCR has sparked a massive online debate, with several animal lovers from the entertainment industry voicing their displeasure over the decision of the apex court.
Veteran actress, Zeenat Aman wrote on her Instagram stories: ‘Disheartened by the recent news about stray dog ‘removal’ in Delhi. I join animal lovers from across the world in asking for a more humane, logical and science-backed approach to the issue.’
Sonakshi Sinha shared: ‘Day by day we expose how soulless we have become as a society. Every day is a disappointment.’
Rupali Ganguly shared her views on X, saying: “In our traditions, dogs guard Bhairav Baba’s temple and are fed on Amavasya for blessings. They’ve grown up on our streets, guarding shops, waiting outside our doors, barking away thieves.”
Shriya Pilgaonkar feels: “Compassion and practicality must go hand in hand. While I understand the need to address safety concerns, sending all stray dogs to shelters is not a humane or sustainable solution. We do not have adequate shelters for stray animals in India and most shelters are already overcrowded and under-resourced. Instead of uprooting strays from their familiar territories, we need community-driven sterilisation, vaccination, and feeding programmes that allow humans and animals to coexist safely.”
John Abraham calls for review of order
Actor John Abraham has written to Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, urging him to review the recent stray dog order passed by the Supreme Court.
In his letter, John wrote, ‘I hope you will agree that these are not ‘strays’ but community dogs–respected and loved by many, and very much Delhiites in their own right, having lived in the region as neighbours to humans for generations.’
He pointed out that the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Dog Rules 2023 require the sterilisation, vaccination, and return of community dogs to their home areas–an approach endorsed by the World Health Organisation and proven effective in cities like Jaipur (70 per cent of dogs sterilised) and Lucknow (84 per cent).
John, who earlier this year became requested the CJI to look at the case through ‘compassion, science-based solutions and compliance with Indian law’ to safeguard animals.
Just no compassion left: Janhvi, Varun Dhawan
Actors Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan have reacted to the Supreme Court’s recent order to relocate all stray dogs from the streets of Delhi-NCR and move them to shelters.
Taking to the Instagram Stories, both Janhvi and Varun re-shared a post that called the decision a “death sentence for all dogs”. The post described how the animals, often seen as part of daily life in the city, would lose their “sunlight”, “freedom”, and familiar surroundings if kept away in shelters.
Many others from the fraternity used social media to speak on the matter.
On Monday, a bench of Justices said that all localities should be made free of stray dogs and there should not be any compromise. It also made it clear that no captured animal will be released back on the streets. (Agencies)
