Rahul Gandhi Criticises Supreme Court’s Order on Stray Dog Removal in Delhi-NCR
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly opposed the Supreme Court’s recent directive to remove all stray dogs from the Delhi-NCR region, calling the move “a step back from decades of humane, science-backed policy.”
In a statement, Gandhi said that stray animals should not be treated as “problems” to be eliminated, but as part of a shared environment that requires compassion and responsible management. He emphasised that public safety and animal welfare are not mutually exclusive, and both can be ensured through humane measures.
Gandhi advocated for a comprehensive approach that includes shelters, sterilisation drives, vaccination programs, and community-based care to control stray populations and keep streets safe. According to him, these methods are effective, sustainable, and grounded in both scientific evidence and compassion.
Criticising the blanket removal order, the Congress leader described it as “cruel, shortsighted, and a loss of societal empathy.” He warned that such drastic measures could lead to unnecessary suffering for animals without guaranteeing a safer environment for people.
Animal rights organisations have echoed similar concerns, urging authorities to adopt long-term strategies instead of mass removals. The debate now highlights the broader question of how urban India balances public safety with ethical treatment of animals.
