In a rare moment of unity, the Gandhi family unites against Supreme Court order directing the removal of stray dogs from Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Varun Gandhi, and Maneka Gandhi have raised similar concerns about the treatment of these animals and the practicality of the directive.
Rahul Gandhi, serving as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, called the decision a step backward. He argued that it disregards decades of humane and science-based policies aimed at animal welfare. Through a post on X, he described blanket removals as cruel and shortsighted, adding that shelters, sterilisation, vaccination, and community care are better alternatives.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra echoed his concerns. She pointed out that shelters cannot accommodate such a large number of dogs and warned that rapid removal would lead to cruelty. She described dogs as gentle creatures that deserve protection and insisted that humane solutions must guide policy decisions.
Varun Gandhi, a former BJP MP, went further by calling the order an “institutionalization of cruelty.” He cautioned that this approach could extend to other vulnerable groups, including stray cows and marginalized people. He questioned how far such directives could go if unchecked.
Maneka Gandhi, a senior leader and animal rights activist, also opposed the order, calling it impractical and financially unviable. She explained that Delhi alone has around 3 lakh stray dogs, which would require 1,000 to 2,000 centers costing at least ₹4-5 crore. She argued that the suo motu nature of the case overlooked realistic ground conditions and environmental consequences.
The larger debate reflects India’s struggle to manage stray dog populations. Delhi’s 3 lakh dogs highlight the scale of the issue, and cities like Chandigarh and Mohali face similar challenges. Public health concerns, particularly rabies, remain urgent, with Punjab once recording some of the highest rabies cases in the country.
The Supreme Court’s directive has divided opinion. While some emphasize public safety and rabies control, critics argue that removing dogs will not solve the core problems. Instead, they call for balanced approaches combining sterilisation, vaccination, and safe community spaces.
Ultimately, the Gandhi family stresses compassion and empathy as guiding principles. They believe India can protect both animals and people without resorting to harsh removals. As the Gandhi family unites against Supreme Court on this issue, the need for humane and practical strategies becomes clear. Policymakers must now focus on solutions that ensure public safety while preserving the dignity and welfare of stray animals.
