Shortly after the Supreme Court ordered civic authorities in Delhi-NCR to remove stray dogs, animal rights watchdog PETA India on Monday said the displacement and jailing of dogs is not scientific.
“Communities think of neighbourhood dogs as family, and the displacement and jailing of dogs is not scientific and has NEVER worked,” PETA India said in a statement.
PETA stated that Delhi has around 10 lakh community dogs, and less than half of them are sterilized.
“Forced removal of some 10 lakh community dogs from Delhi’s streets will cause uproar in communities that care deeply for them and chaos and suffering for the dogs on a large scale. It will also ultimately do nothing to curb the dog population, reduce rabies or prevent dog bite incidents,” it said.
PETA pointed out that building enough shelters is not feasible and will lead to starvation and territorial fights among dogs.
“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,” the statement read.
Criticising the Delhi government, PETA called for the effective implementation of the sterilisation program.
“Had the Delhi government implemented an effective dog sterilisation program, there would hardly be any dogs on the road today, but it would not be too late to start implementing an effective sterilisation program now.
“Instead of wasting time, effort, and public resources on ineffective and inhumane displacement drives, an effective sterilisation program is still the solution and urgent need,” it added.
The statement came after the Supreme Court ordered authorities to remove stray dogs from the streets in Delhi-NCR and put them in shelters.
In its order, the court directed civic authorities in Delhi NCR to make dog shelters and report on the creation of infrastructure within eight weeks.
The shelters, as per the court order, must have sufficient personnel for sterilised, dogs who would be detained there and not released in public places.
The apex court also warned dog lovers and animal rights organisations of strict action if they came in the way of authorities picking up stray dogs.
“Action should be taken within 4 hours to pick up dog after the complaint is received, and any action of an individual or organisation coming in the way will be taken with stern action. The said dog will be sterilised and shall not be released,” the court said in its order.