Delhi’s newly appointed Chief Minister, Ms. Rekha Gupta, has announced the forced removal of stray animals to government-run shelters. This move violates Supreme Court rulings and legal protections for community animals. It threatens animal welfare and disrupts the ecological balance of the city. Humane, legal solutions exist and must be prioritized over such draconian measures.

Violation of Supreme Court Orders and Animal Protection Laws

The Supreme Court has ruled that relocating stray animals is illegal. The Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2001 & 2023 mandate sterilization, vaccination, and returning stray dogs to their territories. Key laws being violated include:

• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 – Protects animals from cruelty.
• ABC Rules, 2001 & 2023 – Require sterilization and vaccination before returning stray dogs.
• Supreme Court Ruling – Explicitly prohibits relocation of stray dogs.
• Article 51A(g) & Article 21 of the Constitution – Mandate compassion towards animals and their right to a fear-free life.
  This policy is not just illegal but also inhumane, leading to mass suffering as seen in past cases like Jodhpur Dog Pound, where dogs were imprisoned and left to die. India, a land known for Ahimsa, must reject such cruelty.  

Forced Relocation: Betraying India’s Ethical and Cultural Values

India, a land known for Ahimsa and Sanatan Dharma, should never allow the disgraceful and cruel act or removing stray animals which completely contradicts its values. Such self-centered, ruthless, and ignorant leadership will tarnish Bharat’s global image as a Vishwaguru.

Recently, groups of canine experts from all over the world came to see India’s “streeties”, who represent the original dogs who continue to share space with humans. India’s community dogs have historically lived in a symbiotic relationship with humans. The human-dog kinship journey has been one of shared origin: from coexistence to co-evolution and ultimately co-becoming.

The One Health, One Future approach or “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” is deeply rooted in India’s culture and recognizes the interconnection between people, animals, and nature. Community health is linked to environmental well-being, including the presence of community animals. Residents’ welfare benefits from animal welfare and greenery. Community animals play a role in maintaining healthy (urban) living conditions for humans to thrive. Removing them disrupts this natural coexistence and contradicts India’s values.

The Dangerous Consequences of Animal Cruelty and Misguided Policies

The CM’s policy is not only illegal, unethical and immoral but also dangerous and socially disruptive.

Social studies suggest that individuals who exhibit cruelty towards animals are at a higher risk of engaging in violent acts against people. Society is at risk if people are no longer compassionate towards animals and each other.

“Now, the animal mirror stands polished and ready for our examination. What does our treatment of our interspecies kin reveal to us? (…) What are our moral obligations towards “the other”? — Sindhoor Pangal

Co-Becoming: the Human-Dog Kinship (Dec 2024)

Historical policy failures—such as Surat’s 1994 dog extermination, which was related to a plague outbreak—prove that ignorant removal policies backfire. Even after >100 years of culling and relocation practices, this policy has shown no result in resolving stray dog issues in Chennai, for example. On the contrary: areas where dogs have been persecuted have seen more anxious, hostile and rabid dogs. And in Surat where all dogs were forcefully and barbarically exterminated in 1994 the plague broke out since rat populations were no longer kept in check.

A balanced eco-system is a healthy eco-system. If relocation of stray animals gets implemented, Delhi will face unintended consequences, making the city less healthy and safe.

Effective, Humane Solutions Exist and Have Been Demonstrated Impact

There are scientific, proven methods to address concerns related to stray populations, rabies, and welfare through community-led animal welfare programs such as the Stray Buddy model. Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) should establish Animal Welfare Committees, as per Delhi High Court’s 2021 order. To be effective, these committees must consist of both elected representatives of the RWA and residents who are feeding or otherwise taking care of or are familiar with the community animals in the locality.

Even without a formal committee, it is possible to form an informal group in your locality. Adopt a holistic and pragmatic approach to coexistence with five key steps:

• Local dog census and online record-keeping.
• Responsible feeding arrangements.
• 100% sterilization and fostering.
• 70% annual vaccination targets and medical care.
• Awareness campaigns and conflict resolution.

This model is already delivering results, ensuring humane population control, rabies prevention, and reduced human-animal conflict. Within the framework of the existing laws, effective and humane solutions are feasible and attainable.

Take Action to Protect Delhi’s Community Animals!

The CM’s relocation plan must be revoked in favor of humane, effective alternatives. Public participation and collaboration with animal welfare experts are essential.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
📝 Read, comment and share this blog.
✒ Sign the petition (see link below blog).
⚖ Stand up for the rule of law by participating in the protest.
💪 Lead by example and proof that coexistence is possible!

And remember:

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Let’s uphold the Indian values of compassion and coexistence.

With folded hands…

Read and Sign this Petition NOW!

Visit straybuddy.in to learn more and take action in your locality today!