The Supreme Court announced that stray dogs, after undergoing vaccination and deworming, must be released back into the same locality where they were picked up. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi welcomed the decision, describing it as “a progressive step toward balancing animal welfare and public safety.”
In an uncommon display of unity, various members of the Gandhi family, who have often been politically divided since the early 1980s, collectively expressed support for the Supreme Court’s updated ruling on the issue of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR.
On Friday, the Supreme Court revised its earlier directive, ruling that stray dogs should not be relocated permanently but instead released back into their original surroundings following vaccination and deworming. However, dogs identified as rabid or displaying aggressive tendencies must be kept in dedicated shelters. The Court also broadened the scope of the case by declaring that a nationwide policy for managing stray dogs would be formulated.
The bench observed, “Prohibition on release of strays shall be stayed. They should be dewormed, vaccinated, and sent back to the same area,” a statement that drew praise from animal welfare groups and activists across the country.
Rahul Gandhi expressed his approval of the judgment, stating that it reflects a compassionate and scientifically sound approach to the issue. He recalled that he had earlier criticised the previous order, calling it cruel, shortsighted, and lacking in compassion.
Former Union minister and well-known animal rights campaigner Maneka Gandhi also welcomed the revised judgment. She described herself as “very happy with this scientific judgement” and stressed that displacement and fear are major reasons for dog bites. She also emphasised the importance of clearly defining what qualifies as an aggressive dog. Gandhi further noted that the ruling will now apply at the national level and urged municipal bodies to establish proper Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres. She highlighted the government’s recent commitment in Parliament to allocate Rs 2,500 crores for this program, calling it a significant step forward.
Former Member of Parliament Varun Gandhi hailed the verdict. Posting on X, he expressed gratitude toward the Supreme Court, saying the institution had demonstrated wisdom, compassion, and the ability to correct itself. He praised all those who had spoken up for the cause of stray dogs and encouraged them to take pride in their efforts.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who had earlier voiced opposition to the initial order, reiterated her concern that relocating all stray dogs to shelters would lead to inhumane treatment. Referring to dogs as gentle and beautiful creatures, she underscored the need for solutions that protect both public safety and animal welfare humanely.
The shared opposition of the Gandhi family to the earlier ruling was striking, given their longstanding political differences. Maneka Gandhi, who parted ways with Indira Gandhi in 1982 and later joined the BJP, had criticised the initial directive as unrealistic and financially burdensome. She argued that removing three lakh dogs from the streets of Delhi would cost nearly Rs 15,000 crore, apart from causing ecological disruptions.
Varun Gandhi, likewise, had condemned the earlier order, terming it the “institutionalisation of cruelty” and questioning its ethical foundation.
With the Supreme Court’s revised judgement on Friday, however, members of the Gandhi family from across political parties have expressed relief and satisfaction, acknowledging the decision as a fair and balanced step in handling India’s stray dog issue.
