New Delhi, August 17: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Swati Maliwal on Sunday made a surprise visit to a Government run animal healthcare centre in Delhi. Maliwal highlighted the dismal state of the animal healthcare facility in the national capital. Swati Maliwal shared a video of her visit and described the situation as "really sad" and said that Delhi lacks a proper medical system for animals.
“As an MP, I will try to get this improved. The reality is that in Delhi, we don’t have a proper medical system for animals,” Maliwal said, adding that she would raise the issue in Parliament to push for better infrastructure.
The video exposes the poor condition of the building in which the facility is located. There was no light or water available at the facility. Swati Maliwal, while speaking to the officials, said that the facility faces an acute shortage of doctors. There is only one MTS who works at the facility. He is the only one who is providing medicines and also looking after the cleaning works at the facility.
Medicine Shortage
The video also shows that there is a shortage of medicines for the animals. The MTS is also present at the facility only for three days in a week and the doctors visit only once in a week. The operation theatre at the facility looks like a store room. The worker also informed that around 50-60 animals visit the facility on a daily basis.
SC Verdict On Stray Dogs
Swati Maliwal's visit to the facility came at a time when the Supreme Court announced the order on stray dog crisis in Delhi-NCR. On August 11, the apex court directed authorities to remove thousands of stray dogs from the streets within six to eight weeks. The order mandated the creation of shelters, sterilisation and vaccination drives, and installation of CCTV cameras to prevent animals from being released back.
Public Health Concern
The court’s decision cited the sharp rise in dog bite incidents and rabies cases. Delhi alone reported over 35,000 animal bite cases and 49 confirmed rabies infections in the first half of 2025, making the issue a pressing public health concern.
Widespread Criticism
However, the verdict has sparked widespread criticism. Animal rights groups and experts argue that the order contradicts the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules of 2023, which promote sterilisation, vaccination and release of dogs in their original territories. Estimates suggest that implementing the order could cost nearly ₹15,000 crore.
Political Reactions
Several political leaders also expressed concern. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said public safety and animal welfare should “go hand in hand” and termed blanket removals “cruel.” Groups like PETA India called the order “unscientific” and “harmful,” urging the government to adopt humane, evidence-based strategies instead.
Verdict Awaited
Following the backlash, the Supreme Court on August 14 revisited the case. A three-judge bench admitted that failures in implementing the ABC Rules had deepened the problem and withdrew its suo motu order for reconsideration. A final verdict is still awaited.
Better Animal Healthcare Required
Amid the controversy, Maliwal’s video brings the focus back to the weak animal healthcare system in Delhi. The condition of the government-run hospital she inspected reflects the same challenges highlighted in the stray dog case.
With the Supreme Court’s ruling under review, Maliwal’s call for better animal healthcare adds weight to the demand for a more humane and sustainable solution to Delhi’s stray dog crisis.
