Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah strongly criticized the approach of treating stray dogs as a nuisance to be removed, calling it “cruelty” rather than effective governance. His statement came in response to a recent Supreme Court directive ordering Delhi-NCR authorities to relocate all stray dogs from streets to shelters as quickly as possible, citing the severe issue of dog bites and rabies, particularly affecting children.

In a post on X on Tuesday, Siddaramaiah emphasized that humane societies prioritize solutions that safeguard both people and animals. “Treating stray dogs as a nuisance to be ‘removed’ is not governance—it is cruelty,” he wrote. He advocated for science-backed measures like sterilization, vaccination, and community-based care, arguing that fear-driven policies only increase suffering without ensuring safety. His comments align with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s stance, who called the Supreme Court’s directive a regression from decades of compassionate, evidence-based policies, labeling blanket removals as “cruel and shortsighted.”

Siddaramaiah’s remarks reflect growing concerns over balancing public safety with animal welfare. He pointed to successful programs in Karnataka, where local initiatives have focused on sterilizing and vaccinating stray dogs to control their population and reduce rabies risks. The Chief Minister urged authorities to adopt similar strategies nationwide, emphasizing that compassion and practicality must guide policy decisions.

The debate has sparked discussions among animal rights activists and residents, with many calling for increased funding for shelters and vaccination drives to address the stray dog population humanely.

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