The day since the SC order on stray dogs has passed, the entire nation is divided into two groups – “dog haters “and “dog lovers”. The decision has drawn widespread criticism across the country. PETA has called its illogical and impractical, and many politicians and actors, influencers, activist have raised their voice against it. The people are protesting in order to get the order of the Supreme Court reversed. Among all this, the Supreme court is firm in its decision, stating that no petitions against the order will be entertained. As the court bluntly put it – you can’t bring back the one who has died.
I am not completely against the order. The intent behind is to safeguard and protect a human life especially from dog bites and rabies. But again, the life of a dog is equally important as that of a human. I do understand the pain of someone who has lost their beloved ones to a tragic incident involving a dog. The grief is real and cannot be dismissed. But in an effort to protect humans, are we truly justifying the suffering to be caused to thousands of dogs if relocation is done without adequate care?
Further, are the Authorities ready for Relocation of dogs humanely? Whether the Shelter Houses have enough of space to accommodate thousands of strays? Are they well equipped? Do they have enough of food and medical care?
Because we live in a country where even the shelter homes for elderly, orphans do not provide enough of food, medical care, and lack in basic infrastructures and more. So, can we expect the shelter house for this Humanely will be well equipped, livable. Many shelters already struggled- overcrowded, underfed animals, poor hygiene and lack of vaccinations are common. A story covered by Lokmat times Nagpur (Video Here) wherein the dog shelter got flooded when it rained heavily, and the dogs were left standing in the flooded water.
Former Union Minister and animal rights advocate Maneka Gandhi has called the order “impractical and financially unworkable”, pointing out that proper shelters with drainage, water supply, kitchens, veterinary care and trained staff would cost thousands of crores- plus ongoing expenses. She warns of ecological disruption too; in Paris, the removal of dogs led to a rat infestation and new health hazards.
Stray dogs play a role in urban ecology, controlling waste and scavenger population. Removing them without addressing the root causes – lack of sterilization, poor waste management and inadequate public awareness, could create new problems. Relocation must go hand in hand with sterilization drives, mass vaccination, adoption programs and significant improvements to shelter infrastructure. Without these, the Supreme Court order risks becoming a humanitarian crisis for the very animals it seeks to manage.
Protecting people and caring for animals are not mutually exclusive. What’s the point of shelter houses if they are inadequate? A stray’s life is already miserable on the streets, without proper food or a safe place to rest. If the dog shelter itself fails to provide basic care, the suffering will only continue inside as well.
We must ensure that in saving one life, we are not neglecting another.
