Rahul Gandhi Blasts Supreme Court Order on Stray Dogs as ‘Cruel’ and ‘Step Backwards’ Amid Widespread Protests

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has fiercely criticised the Supreme Court’s recent directive mandating the removal of all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR, calling it “a step back from decades of humane, science-backed policy.”

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, August 12, Gandhi condemned the order, stating, “Blanket removals are cruel, shortsighted, and strip us of compassion.” He urged authorities to focus on sterilisation, vaccination, shelters, and community care instead, stressing, “We can ensure public safety and animal welfare go hand in hand.”

The Supreme Court’s order, issued on August 11 by Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, directed the Delhi government and municipal bodies to “start picking up stray dogs from all localities at the earliest” and to form special task forces if needed. The Bench demanded that all areas be made free of stray dogs, warning that obstruction of this drive could lead to contempt proceedings.

The ruling also called for the establishment of dog shelters within eight weeks, equipped for sterilisation and immunisation, and monitored by CCTV. The Court controversially questioned animal activists, asking if it was possible to “bring back those who have fallen prey to rabies,” asserting the move was “in the public interest” and suggesting that dogs be relocated to “far-off places.”

The order triggered widespread protests across Delhi-NCR, culminating in a march to India Gate on August 11. Social media saw a surge of criticism, with many branding the decision as inhumane.

Animal rights organisation PETA India condemned the order as “unscientific,” warning it would lead to “widespread chaos” and suffering for animals. PETA argued that forced displacement “has NEVER worked” and called for a return to prioritising sterilisation and vaccination programs.

The group highlighted that if the sterilisation mandate introduced in 2001 had been properly implemented, “there would hardly be any dogs on the road today,” urging authorities that “it is not too late” to adopt a sustainable and compassionate approach.