Stray Dogs Controversy: 'We Will Not Let Such Order Be Implemented In Pune,' Say Activists & Citizens

The Supreme Court on Monday directed Delhi-NCR authorities to permanently relocate all strays from streets to shelters "at the earliest".

The apex court noted that there was an "extremely grim" situation due to stray dog bites resulting in rabies, particularly among children.

A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan passed a slew of directions and warned of strict action against an individual or organisation in case of obstruction, which might also prompt the court to initiate contempt proceedings.

The bench further remarked that the animal activists and "so-called lovers" would be able to bring back children who fell prey to rabies.

"Will they put life back into those children? When the situation demands, you have to act," it said.

Meanwhile, Punekars believe such measures may not be possible in the long run.

'The number of dogs in the shelter will rise in a few months'

Roshan Pathak, Animal Rights Advisor, PAL Foundation, said, "Delhi Municipal Corporation should promptly and properly sterilise dogs, thus the population doesn't grow. It won't work to keep all the dogs in shelters until every corporation properly handles dog sterilisation to prevent the population from growing. The number of dogs in the shelter will rise in a few months because many of them have not been sterilised. And who will bear the responsibility? Not animals, but the administration. Given that the government funds their rabies vaccinations, sterilisations, and other medical care, corporations should be in charge of providing the animals with the right care. Why is appropriate sterilisation lacking? Officers from corporations are in charge of these cases, and as a result, animals will suffer from pain."

'We are taught in Sanatan Dharma to protect and feed all animals'

Priyanka Singh, an animal activist, pointed out, "This ruling is from the lower bench of the Supreme Court, and they have totally overruled the higher bench orders. This itself is a constitutional breach. Also, we are taught in Sanatan Dharma to protect and feed all animals. Kaal Bhairav is an incarnation of Lord Shiva and a protector of dogs. This way, what are we teaching the younger generation about Sanatan Dharma? Also, in India, no shelter is well-equipped to take in so many stray dogs. This is like putting them in gas chambers and then letting them die a slow death. Also, Delhi should better check on rape cases rather than targeting the voiceless. Totally immoral and unethical, and we will not let this happen in Maharashtra. We don't want this to happen with the Pune strays."

'The government should focus on awareness modules and sensitisation'

"Minimising the human-animal conflict by moving all strays to shelters is not a real solution. Other dogs will eventually come into the area. With Pune’s estimated three lakh stray dogs, it is practically impossible to have the kind of land or infrastructure needed for such shelters. I have been working on the ground for 15 years, and I can say most dog bite complaints are exaggerated or false, often made by those who dislike the animals. Strays generally don’t harm feeders. The government should instead focus on awareness modules and sensitisation on how to live with and handle stray dogs. Whenever a bite incident happens, there should be a committee to understand the cause, identify any hostile circumstances, and take preventive steps. Mass vaccination drives have already shown a huge difference in bite cases. This Supreme Court directive is not feasible and certainly not a long-term solution," said Vineeta Tandon, Co-Founder, Animal Rescue Trust.

Residents in areas like Kothrud, Katraj and Hadapsar also point out that Pune’s stray dog population plays an important role in the urban ecosystem, from controlling rodent populations to forming a bond with local communities.

“Simply removing them disrupts this balance and may even lead to more aggressive dog behaviour if they’re caged in overcrowded shelters,” said Baner resident Ramesh Patil.

“We already have limited space and resources in existing shelters. If such an order were implemented here, it would be nearly impossible to sustain without massive government funding,” said Anjali Kulkarni, a volunteer with a city-based rescue group.

'Dogs are Puneites, through and through. They are our neighbours and friends'

Dr Mini Aravindan, Senior Director, Veterinary Affairs, PETA India, said, "Communities think of neighbourhood dogs as family, and the displacement and jailing of dogs is not scientific and has never worked. A community dog population census conducted by the PMC in 2022-23 revealed a 42% drop in the number of dogs across Pune, and with a concerted effort, Pune can be like Lucknow, where 84% of community dogs are vaccinated and sterilised. The SC direction has baffled even seasoned advocates and policymakers because it creates a dilemma for officials —whether to follow the directive or to adhere to the law. That’s because the directive directly conflicts with the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023 (which replaced the 2001 Rules). These rules prohibit the displacement of dogs, instead mandating their sterilisation, vaccination and return to the very areas they inhabit. For Pune and elsewhere, the law of the land, the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023, still stands. Like in Delhi, any forced removal of community dogs in Pune would cause uproar in communities that care deeply for them, and chaos and suffering for the dogs on a large scale. Dogs are Puneites, through and through. They are our neighbours and friends."

"Displacement would also ultimately do nothing to curb the dog population, reduce rabies or prevent dog bite incidents. This is because it is unfeasible to build enough dog shelters, and displacing dogs causes fights over territory and problems like starvation. Ultimately, dogs make their way back into the same territories, especially when puppies continue to be born. That’s why the government has required that community dogs be sterilised since 2001, a procedure which calms them, and during which time they are also vaccinated against rabies. Sterilisation is the only key; had the local municipality taken it seriously since 2001, there would have been next to no dogs on the streets," Aravindan added.