“These Voiceless Souls Are Not ‘Problems’ To Be Erased”: Rahul Gandhi Criticizes SC Ruling On Stray Dogs

Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has strongly criticized the Supreme Court’s recent directive to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR, calling it a setback to decades of humane and science-based animal welfare policies.

“These voiceless souls are not ‘problems’ to be erased. Shelters, sterilization, vaccination & community care can keep streets safe – without cruelty,” Gandhi said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He further added, “Blanket removals are cruel, short-sighted, and strip us of compassion. We can ensure public safety and animal welfare go hand in hand.”

Court Orders Immediate Removal Of Stray Dogs

The Supreme Court instructed authorities in Delhi, along with neighboring cities Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad, to begin the immediate removal of stray dogs from all localities and transfer them to shelters. This directive has sparked backlash from animal rights groups and activists, who argue that it undermines existing humane methods.

Protests & Detentions At India Gate

Animal rights activists gathered in protest at India Gate, Delhi, voicing their opposition to the order. However, police intervened and detained several protestors. One caregiver, speaking while in custody, said, “They don’t want us to talk. These people are throwing everyone into jail. I am being detained because I do the noble work of feeding animals.”

PETA Labels The Order “Impractical & Illogical”

Shaurya Agrawal, Advocacy Associate for PETA India, called the Supreme Court’s order “impractical and illogical.” Speaking to the media, he explained, “According to the animal birth control rules, this order is also illegal. The Delhi government had 24 years to implement sterilization programs but failed to do so. Delhi has approximately 10 lakh dogs, and only half have been sterilized.”

Agrawal stressed that housing all stray dogs in shelters is unrealistic and will likely cause chaos. He described the removal plan as “inhumane and cruel in itself” and revealed that PETA is considering legal challenges against the ruling.

“Removal of dogs is inhumane, is cruelty in itself, and the conditions within the shelters are going to be very bad… We are exploring all our legal avenues,” he said.