Delhi’s Saket residents object to SC order on stray dogs

Following the Supreme Court’s order on stray dogs issued on Friday, the residents of Delhi’s Saket area, along with the Residents Welfare Association (RWA), voiced strong objections, arguing that the directive fails to ensure public safety and that the situation remains unchanged.

According to the order issued by the court, it mandates that stray dogs should be sterilised, vaccinated, and released back into their areas, except for those showing aggressive behaviour or infected with rabies.

Advertisement

It was further stated by the Supreme Court that the dogs should not be removed from their natural environment unnecessarily.

Residents of Saket, along with the local RWA, questioned how the authorities will ascertain the aggression of dogs and who will decide if a dog poses a threat, fearing attacks, particularly on vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

They further alleged that the order issued does not address the ground reality, as news about incidents of stray dogs attacking children and the elderly continues to be reported from parks and streets.

Raising additional concerns about the implementation of the order to create dedicated feeding zones for the dogs, the residents said that the court had asked the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to set up feeding points, but who will ensure they actually do it?

They pointed out that the court had earlier ordered the MCD to remove encroachments from footpaths, but no action was taken on the ground.

Meanwhile, some people have welcomed the order, calling it balanced. The natives said that stray dogs are also part of society and have the right to live. The dogs should not be sent to shelters forcefully, which is also an act of inhumanity and unnecessary. With proper vaccination and sterilisation, they believe the issue can be managed more effectively.

A member from RWA Saket keeping their opinon further stated, “We want the government and municipal authorities to come up with a roadmap that ensures the safety of both people and animals.”

Earlier on Friday, the Supreme Court had modified its previous order related to the management of stray dogs in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), directing that the animals be released back into the same area after sterilisation and immunisation.

The apex court clarified that stray dogs infected with rabies or exhibiting aggressive behaviour will not be released and will instead be kept in confinement.

“Stray dogs will be released back to the same area after sterilisation and immunisation, except those infected with rabies or exhibiting aggressive behaviour,” the court said in its revised directive.