Delhi Police File FIR on Animal Lovers Protesting Stray Dog Relocation!

Delhi Police filed an FIR against several animal activists who protested at India Gate against a Supreme Court order mandating the relocation of stray dogs to shelter homes within eight weeks. The demonstration, held on Monday evening, saw animal lovers, feeders, rescuers, and caregivers gather to oppose the directive, arguing that it disrupts community-based animal welfare. The FIR, registered at Kartavya Path Police Station under Section 223 of the BNS for disobedience to a public servant’s order, has sparked significant controversy.

Former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung criticized the police action as “childish,” urging Commissioner SBK Singh to reconsider and withdraw the FIR, emphasizing the activists’ intent to protect animals. Protestors, some of whom were detained during the event, argued that relocating stray dogs is not a viable solution and called for stricter enforcement of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, which require sterilization, vaccination, and release of community dogs back to their localities. They stressed that these rules, enacted under parliamentary legislation, remain legally binding.

The demonstrators also challenged media narratives exaggerating rabies-related deaths, citing government data reporting only 54 suspected fatalities in 2024. They advocated for collaboration with local caregivers to ensure public safety while maintaining humane treatment of strays, criticizing the conditions of many shelter homes as inadequate. The protest and subsequent FIR highlight the ongoing tension between animal welfare advocates and authorities as Delhi navigates the Supreme Court’s directive.

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