Maneka Gandhi: Supreme Court’s Verdict is Humane and Scientific
Maneka Gandhi praises SC’s humane and structured approach to stray dog management.
Former Union Minister and prominent animal rights advocate Maneka Gandhi has lauded the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on stray dog management, calling it a “scientific” and long-overdue step toward addressing both animal welfare and public safety. The ruling, issued by a three-judge bench led by Justice Vikram Nath, modifies earlier directives and introduces a structured approach to managing stray dogs in India.
The Supreme Court’s order mandates that stray dogs be sterilized, vaccinated, and returned to their original localities, reversing the previous practice of relocating them to unfamiliar areas. Gandhi, speaking to PTI Videos, criticized the earlier method, noting that it failed to control stray dog populations or reduce dog bite incidents. “When a dog is left in a strange area after a major operation, it is scared, in pain, and does not know who will feed it. That is when it bites,” she explained. She emphasized that returning sterilized dogs to their own territories is essential for reducing both population growth and aggressive behavior.
The court also prohibited street feeding and directed municipal authorities to establish designated feeding spaces for stray dogs, aligning with the Animal Welfare Board’s 25-year-old policy. Gandhi endorsed this measure, stating, “Every colony should have a designated feeding area, thoughtfully chosen away from people’s homes. If there is a large population, two feeding spots can be made.”
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Additionally, the Supreme Court stipulated that dogs infected with or suspected of having rabies, or those displaying aggressive behavior, should not be released but instead kept in appropriate shelters after sterilization and immunization. This balanced approach, Gandhi argued, ensures both humane treatment and public safety.
As a long-time advocate for animal welfare, Gandhi’s approval underscores the ruling’s significance in fostering a sustainable and compassionate solution to the stray dog issue, addressing longstanding challenges in urban areas across India.
Also Read: SC’s Landmark Stray Dog Ruling Brings Relief and Joy
