Delhi Faces Tensions as Stray Dog Removal Sparks Community Protests

In an unprecedented move thousands of stray dogs have been ordered to vacate the streets and surrounding areas of Delhi by the Supreme Court of India. The court ordered this unusual course of action as it looks to drastically reduce the number of dog attacks, and the spread of rabies has become a burgeoning public health emergency within the city.

The order called for local governmental authorities to round up all stray dogs, whether they are sterilized or not, and take them to newly built shelters.These shelters must have proper facilities for sterilization, vaccination, and CCTV monitoring to ensure the dogs are not released back onto the streets. Officials were given eight weeks to complete this task.

The court emphasized the need for quick action, saying that children and elderly people must feel safe while outside. In order to record dog bites and provide information about anti-rabies immunizations, it also mandated the establishment of a 24-hour helpline.

Delhi has a large stray dog population, which is close to one million. Dog attacks, especially on children and older people, occur regularly. This has raised concern among residents.India has the highest number of rabies deaths worldwide, with thousands dying from the disease each year.

However, animal protection groups have criticized the court’s order. They claim that the goal to eliminate all stray canines is cruel and impossible.  Many local inhabitants feed the stray dogs regularly and have developed a strong affection towards them. On the other hand, groups like PETA India emphasized that moving so many dogs into shelters can add to their distress as well as fail to control the dog population or stop the spread of rabies. 

Some experts prefer mass sterilization, along with vaccination and raising public awareness as a potential solution. The government has assured it will protect stray animals while following the order of the court. 

The issue has garnered protests in Delhi, where animal advocates have voiced concerns around the effect of the removal on the dogs and therefore on the community. It has been warned by authorities that anyone who interferes in the process of the dog removals may face prosecution.