Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A protest was held at Regal Square in Indore on Thursday against the Supreme Court’s order directing the caging and relocation of all stray dogs in the Delhi-NCR region.
The Court also warned that any obstruction to the implementation of its directive could result in contempt proceedings.
The verdict was delivered on August 11, and by August 14 the Supreme Court had reserved its decision in the case.
A three-judge bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria heard the case after it was urgently listed, following Chief Justice BR Gavai’s remark a day earlier - “I will look into it” - in response to a lawyer’s plea challenging the removal order.
On August 11, Supreme Court stated in its order: “Infants and young children, at any cost, should not fall prey to rabies. The action should inspire confidence that they can move freely without fear of being bitten by stray dogs. No sentiments should be involved.”
The Court referred to a recent case in Delhi involving the death of a six-year-old girl from rabies and stated, “All animal activists and lovers - will they be able to bring back the children who have fallen prey to rabies?”
The Court also said, “Not a single stray dog should be released… and if we know that this has happened, we will take stern action.”
Protesters in Indore included animal welfare activists, citizens, and representatives of organizations. They carried placards opposing the order and called for the implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, which recommend sterilization and vaccination of stray dogs, allowing them to remain in their territories.
Priyanshu Jain, spokesperson for People For Animals Indore Unit, said, “We urge the Supreme Court to reconsider this order and adopt sustainable, compassionate measures that align with national policy.”
Kartik Tanwar, Founder of Needytail Foundation, said, “Street dogs are part of our city’s identity and ecology. Our Constitution respects the lives of both humans and animals.”
Rimjhim Joshi Shende stated, “If Animal Birth Control programmes are monitored and implemented properly across India, rabies cases could be eliminated and the stray population controlled within two years.”
Vijay Agarwal said, “Dogs are considered a form of Bhairav Baba. The issue of stray dogs can be resolved through sterilization and vaccination.”
The protest also drew online support through #NoDogsNoVote, which has been used to raise awareness and express opposition to the order.
The Court has given eight weeks for the relocation of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR and has stated it will monitor compliance.
