The Supreme Court’s recent ruling regarding stray dogs in Delhi has ignited widespread discussion, with criticism emerging from various sectors, including political circles, the acting community, and social activists. Maneka Gandhi, a well-known animal rights advocate and a leader within the BJP, has offered her perspective, denouncing the ill-treatment of animals.
The Supreme Court’s decision, prompted by an increase in dog bite cases, mandates the relocation of stray dogs to safe shelters. From January 2022 to July 2025, around 300,000 dog bite incidents were recorded, the majority involving stray dogs. The court’s decision reflects these findings.
Gandhi emphasized that she and others do not support animal cruelty. She acknowledged that many believe removing stray dogs would prevent children from being bitten, which she agreed with. However, she warned that removing dogs from Delhi would only temporarily address the issue, as dogs from surrounding areas such as Ghaziabad and Faridabad would quickly replace them, due to the readily available food sources.
Gandhi also raised concerns about the substantial number of unregulated chicken centers and unlicensed meat shops in Delhi, which contribute to the escalating stray animal population. She suggested that regulations be enforced on these establishments to effectively manage the situation.
Gandhi has urged the Chief Justice to reassess the ruling and consider the most effective methods. She underlined the shared goal: to decrease the stray dog population, prevent dog bites, and ensure a peaceful environment for all.