Political Leaders Stand Together
In a rare moment of unity, the Gandhi Family unites against supreme court order that directs the removal of stray dogs from the streets of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Varun Gandhi, and Maneka Gandhi all share the same concerns regarding the treatment of these animals.
Rahul Gandhi’s Thoughts
On Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi, who serves as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, called this decision a significant step back. He stated that it goes against decades of humane and science-based policies aimed at protecting animals. Rahul expressed his views through a post on X, saying, “Blanket removals are cruel, shortsighted and strip us of compassion.” He continued, “These voiceless souls are not ‘problems’ to be erased.” Rahul believes there are better ways to handle this issue without causing harm. He suggested using shelters, sterilisation, vaccination, and community care instead.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s Concerns
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, also a prominent leader in the Congress party, agreed with her brother. She warned that moving all stray dogs to shelters quickly would lead to terrible treatment for these animals. Priyanka highlighted that there are not enough shelters available to accommodate such a large number of dogs. She said, “Dogs are the most beautiful creatures who do not deserve this kind of cruelty.” Priyanka stressed the importance of finding a more humane solution for the situation, where these innocent animals can be cared for safely.
Varun Gandhi’s Warnings
Varun Gandhi, a former BJP Lok Sabha MP and cousin to Rahul and Priyanka, expressed strong disapproval of the directive. He called it “institutionalization of cruelty.” Varun warned that this decision could lead to more suffering not just for dogs, but other vulnerable groups like stray cows and the underprivileged. He shared his thoughts on X, asking how long it would be before this expands to others who cannot take care of themselves.
Maneka Gandhi’s Opposition
Maneka Gandhi, a former Union minister and a well-known animal rights activist, labelled the Supreme Court’s order as “impractical” and “financially unviable.” She noted that the implementation of this order would have serious consequences for the local environment. Maneka explained that it is a suo motu case, meaning that the judge acted on the issue without any complaint. If implemented, this would require capturing around 300,000 (3 lakh) stray dogs in Delhi alone. Maneka estimated that to properly accommodate these dogs, 1,000 to 2,000 centers would be needed, costing at least ₹4-5 crore.
Background on Stray Dogs in India
The concern about stray dogs, especially in urban areas like Delhi, is particularly important. There are approximately 3 lakh stray dogs in Delhi alone. This number raises questions about how to manage their care in cities across India. Places like Chandigarh and Mohali also face similar issues with stray animals. In Punjab, rabies is a severe problem. In 2019, Punjab had one of the highest rates of rabies in the country. This adds to the public health risks associated with stray dogs.
Public Safety and Animal Welfare
The Supreme Court’s directive has sparked intense discussions online. Many people support the Supreme Court’s directive, citing public safety and the risk of rabies. Stray dog bites can lead to serious health issues, especially among children. However, critics believe these measures are impractical and inhumane. They argue that removing dogs does not solve the underlying problems.
The Need for Compassionate Solutions
In this situation, the Gandhi family emphasizes the importance of compassion and empathy. Instead of removing stray dogs, they suggest that more humane options could be considered. These include creating safe spaces for stray dogs and ensuring their well-being while also protecting public safety. With the right approach, both animal welfare and public health can be maintained.
Conclusion
The dialogue about stray dogs in Delhi and NCR is very important, not just for animals but for the communities living there. As the Gandhi Family Unites Against Supreme Court over the stray dog removal order, it is clear that a compassionate solution must be found. We need to focus on strategies that protect the welfare of both animals and residents. It is essential for policymakers to listen to these voices and work toward creating a balanced solution that benefits everyone.
