The Supreme Court’s recent directive to remove stray dogs from public spaces such as schools, hospitals, bus stands, and railway stations has ignited widespread outrage among animal rights activists, lawyers, and dog lovers. The order mandates relocating vaccinated and sterilised dogs to shelters instead of releasing them back to their original locations, a significant shift from previous rulings. Many have condemned the judgment as unrealistic and detrimental to community animals.

Gauri Maulekhi, Trustee at People for Animals India, criticized the bench for issuing the order without hearing all parties and disregarding previously submitted management plans involving sterilisation and vaccination. She described the requirement to build fences around institutions within just two weeks as an “unrealistic nightmare” for authorities. Similarly, petitioner lawyer Nanita Sharma expressed disappointment, hoping for justice toward voiceless animals.

The order, passed by Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria, also requires local authorities to identify and secure premises with adequate fencing to prevent dog entry and to appoint nodal officers responsible for maintaining these areas. The court warned that lapses in implementation would be taken seriously, with senior officials held personally accountable.

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Social media users echoed the frustration, with some highlighting pressing national issues such as pollution and crime, questioning why stray dogs have become a priority. Others ridiculed the feasibility of fencing massive institutions on such tight timelines. Advocate Vivek Sharma voiced concerns about resource allocation, emphasizing that scarce funds for human welfare must not be diverted disproportionately to animal management.

The Supreme Court’s order follows earlier hearings initiated after a surge in dog bite incidents, aiming to safeguard public health but clashing with animal welfare perspectives. The matter is set for further review in January 2026 as states and union territories prepare compliance reports and remedial action plans. The ongoing debate underscores the complex challenges of balancing public safety and compassionate animal care in India.

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