‘Death Sentence': SC's Order To Remove Stray Dogs From Delhi's Streets Sparks Online Debate
The Supreme Court's order on stray dogs have left public opinion divided as people engaged in a heated debate online.
The Supreme Court's order for the removal of stray dogs from the streets of Delhi-NCR has triggered massive debate online, where netizens shared divided and sharp opinions in favour and against the decision of the top court.
The apex court on Monday ordered the Delhi government and civic bodies in Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad to round up stray dogs, sterilise them, and move them permanently to shelters within eight weeks.
It also warned of strict action against any individual or organisation attempting to block the authorities' drive to pick up stray dogs.
While the Resident Welfare Associates welcomed the order, some animal activists protested against the court online.
How Did People React To SC's Stray Dog Order?
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram backed the Supreme Court's order and said, 'Hope this is the beginning of serious & concerted action #StrayDogs".
TMC MP Saket Gokhale termed the court's order as 'cruel and inhumane" and called for a review of the order by a larger Bench.
'The issue of management of stray dogs as well as safety of people is definitely a matter of concern. However, it is not something that can be resolved by arbitrary orders passed by the judiciary without any larger consultative process. Also, subjecting defenseless animals to wanton cruelty can never be a solution. We have sufficient laws in the country to deal with the issue of stray dogs and their sterilization as well as population control. And I agree that it is a very important issue where the welfare and safety of common people is concerned. However, the failure of municipal authorities to implement these laws and do their job cannot and should not become a reason for the judiciary to impose cruel and inhumane directions," he posted on X.
Author Suhel Seth linked the Supreme Court's order to compassion and said that there needs to be a review petition for the same.
'A country that can't care for its animals especially dogs is not a country that is compassionate. The Supreme Court is so so wrong on this one. Said both as a dog lover and a proud Indian. Some one needs to file a review petition! Soonest…" he tweeted.
A country that can't care for its animals especially dogs is not a country that is compassionate.The Supreme Court is so so wrong on this one. Said both as a dog lover and a proud Indian. Some one needs to file a review petition! Soonest…
— SUHEL SETH (@Suhelseth) August 11, 2025
Actor Vir Das urged residents of Delhi-NCR to adopt a dog off the streets, citing 'humanity".
'If you are a resident of Delhi. Can I persuade you to adopt an indie off the streets, more than one? They are extremely healthy, low maintenance, and will provide you with more love affection and gratitude than you could ever imagine. Am also asking you to wholeheartedly and generously support your nearest animal welfare NGO. I plan on doing so, I hope you will too. As appeals are filed in court and processes take their time, it's important for our humanity to kick in immediately. Please do your part, big or small, it all adds up," he tweeted.
If you are a resident of Delhi. Can I persuade you to adopt an indie off the streets, more than one? They are extremely healthy, low maintenance, and will provide you with more love affection and gratitude than you could ever imagine. Am also asking you to wholeheartedly and… pic.twitter.com/XVE1EuLIdv — Vir Das (@thevirdas) August 11, 2025
Writer and Director Simi Garewal appealed to the people to sign the petition, alleging that the authorities will 'kill" stray dogs under the guise of shelter.
'Please please sign this petition for the voiceless. They will starve and kill these beautiful animals under the guise of a shelter. Please help to save them from the cruel, inhuman order of the Supreme Court," she tweeted.
Please please sign this petition for the voiceless. They will starve and kill these beautiful animals under the guise of a shelter. Please help to save them from the cruel, inhuman order of the Supreme Court. 🙏🙏🙏 https://t.co/0ZhJft1NkV pic.twitter.com/Rbu8bX0P3t — Simi_Garewal (@Simi_Garewal) August 11, 2025
PETA India objected to the Supreme Court's order and said that the removal of dogs will 'cause uproar in communities" that care for them.
'Communities think of neighbourhood dogs as family, and the displacement and jailing of dogs is not scientific and has NEVER worked. Per a population survey conducted in 2022–23, Delhi has around 10 lakh community dogs, with less than half sterilised. 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," PETA India said.
Netizens React
'The Supreme Court order on stray dogs in Delhi is nothing but a death sentence for every single stray on every single street in the national capital – and each one of us needs to raise our voice against it," wrote one user.
'I heard about cow shelters but never heard of #straydogs shelter homes I have heard about deportation centres for foreigners but never heard of deportation centres for stray dogs," a user wrote.
'Earth belongs to everyone, and not just humans. #straydogs were living with us and should live in future as well," another said.
'If a dog bites — kill it. If a bull hits — kill it. If pigeons spread disease — stop feeding them, let them die. But if a luxury car owner runs over someone — silence. If someone misbehaves with a girl — silence," a user said.
'This is going to have the biggest consequences!! Not only will we protest against it, but this will also turn everything upside down. I've always respected innocent street dogs, they're already ignored, and now this stupid decision will only raise tensions more," another netizen wrote.
Expressing support for the court's order, a user wrote, 'This is a very good decision, everyone is appreciating it except some are dog lovers or they have dogs at home, we need to get rid of stray dogs asap."
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Bike Riders in Delhi & all across India can relate to this Stray Dog Menace especially at Night #straydogs #straydogsmenace pic.twitter.com/SyuaGAvX7e — Rosy (@rose_k01) August 11, 2025
'Bike Riders in Delhi & all across India can relate to this Stray Dog Menace especially at Night #straydogs #straydogsmenace," another one said.
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Ashesh Mallick
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First Published:
August 12, 2025, 10:53 IST
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