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DW
5 days ago
- Politics
- DW
India: How can New Delhi deal with its stray dog problem? – DW – 08/13/2025
Authorities in Delhi say stray dogs are a safety hazard, while activists see the animals as a part of the community. The huge number of dogs — combined with a lack of resources — makes it hard to find a humane solution. Animal rights activists in the Indian capital are angry about a new directive calling for stray dogs to be removed from the streets. After dozens of protesters were arrested on Tuesday, the Chief Justice of India BR Gavai said he would "look into" the order issued by the Supreme Court. The order, which was handed down on Monday, directs authorities in Delhi to relocate all stray dogs from the streets of residential areas to dedicated shelters within two months. The court said the order came in response to an increase in dog bites and rabies cases. "Infants and young children, at any cost, should not fall prey to rabies. The action should inspire confidence that they can move freely without fear of being bitten by stray dogs," the order said. Based on various surveys coming from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and animal rights activists, the estimated stray dog population in Delhi is cited as being between 800,000 to 1 million. While some residents of the Indian capital view these dogs as a menace, others see the animals as companions and part of the urban ecosystem. Dog lovers and activists say municipalities are not prepared to safely remove and shelter the massive number of strays estimated to roam Delhi's streets. "The court order is illogical, impractical, inhuman, and illegal. That is like rounding up your next-door neighbor. These dogs have lived here for generations. They are Delhiites, through and through, simply trying to survive like the rest of us," Shaurya Agrawal, from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), told DW. Animal rights activists argue that the Supreme Court order contravenes so-called animal birth control (ABC) rules calling for the sterilization, vaccination, and return of dogs to their territories as a humane and scientifically proven method of population control. Data tabled in India's parliament showed more than 3.7 million cases of dog bites and 54 suspected human deaths from rabies reported in 2024 across the country of 1.4 billion people- Figures from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare show around 2.75 million dog bite cases in 2023. More than 26,000 dog bite cases have been reported in Delhi so far this year, according to official municipal data used as a basis for the recent judicial action. Critics of the removal order argue that it is logistically improbable for authorities to set up shelters and resources on a scale envisaged by the top court. Delhi's municipality operates just 20 animal control centers, with a combined capacity for less than 5,000 dogs. "Catching, feeding, and caring for tens of thousands of dogs daily would require huge annual funding for thousands of animal catchers, ambulances, veterinary doctors, and large teams for daily maintenance, all of which Delhi currently lacks," Anjali Gopalan, who runs All Creatures Great and Small, an animal rights NGO, told DW. "The only way to deal with the stray dog population is to stabilize it by sterilization and vaccination. Bites and rabies will go up if dogs that are sterilized and vaccinated are moved outside their territory as unvaccinated dogs will move in. There are consequences to public health," Gopalan told DW. Bharati Ramachandran, CEO of the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO), who has been critical of the court order, said the mass sheltering of healthy, vaccinated dogs is "impractical and inhumane." "The court order runs contrary to global public health guidance. In addition, ABC rules require that sterilized and vaccinated community dogs be returned to their original territories after treatment," Ramachandran told DW. "We are still studying the order and see how we can chalk out a future course of action," she said. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Activists say removing sterilized dogs from an area could allow unsterilized dogs to move in, causing a "vacuum effect." "Rodents tend to increase when dogs are removed because dogs help control their populations. Hence, proper waste and garbage management is critical to reducing food availability for both stray dogs and rodents, further managing the risks associated with these animal populations," added NGO head Gopalan. In Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan state, animal rescue groups have been running an ABC program for a decade, which has reportedly seen the roaming dog population halved. The proportion of puppies dropped from 19% to just 2% of the total number of dogs. The state of Goa has achieved around 70% vaccination coverage of its dog population as part of its mass canine immunization program to control rabies. This success has been aided significantly using an app-based tracking system that enables spatial direction of vaccination teams and real-time monitoring of vaccination rates. Similarly, a city-wide census in Bengaluru showed stray dog numbers decreased by nearly 10%. "The formula is simple — sterilize and vaccinate dogs as per the law. Close illegal pet shops and breeders and encourage adoption from shelters and the streets. This is a practical public-health policy that works," said Agrawal from PETA. Ayesha Christina Benn of Neighbourhood Woof, an NGO for dog welfare, pointed out that Delhi's dog control order may end up doing more harm than good. "Scientifically speaking, the reason this order can be catastrophic because it will reduce rates of sterilization as this exercise is being done in a kneejerk fashion and actual sterilization centers being used to board dogs," she told DW. "We are simply not equipped for long term care. More public participation to ensure effective street dog management is needed," she added. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
'I will look into it': CJI Gavai on Delhi-NCR stray dog removal order
CJI BR Gavai has assured a review of the Supreme Court's order to remove stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets, after the matter was raised in court citing earlier legal provisions New Delhi Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai on Wednesday said he will re-examine the Supreme Court's recent order to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets. The assurance came after concerns were raised by animal welfare groups and others in society. On Monday, the Supreme Court had directed authorities to shift all stray dogs from residential areas to shelters. The move followed a rise in dog bite incidents and rabies cases in the region. When the matter was brought up before the CJI on Wednesday, he was reminded of an earlier court order. That order had prohibited both the relocation and killing of stray dogs and required authorities to follow the Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules and other relevant laws, Live Law reported. What the Supreme Court ordered on Monday The apex court asked the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to create special shelters and start removing stray dogs from public areas immediately, focusing first on high-risk zones. Authorities in Noida and Gurugram have also been told to: • Maintain daily records of dogs captured and housed • Ensure adequate shelters are built within eight weeks • Staff these shelters to carry out sterilisation and vaccination • Install CCTV cameras in shelters • Prevent the release of any dog back onto the streets without permission The court stressed that 'no compromise' would be allowed in this drive. It also warned of strict action against anyone trying to obstruct the relocation. Peta India strongly opposes the move Animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) India has sharply criticised the Supreme Court's order. Advocacy Associate Shaurya Agrawal called it 'impractical and illogical' and said it could 'create chaos and more problems". 'This particular order is impractical, illogical and according to the animal birth control rules, also illegal. The Delhi government had 24 years to implement these sterilisation programmes... Delhi has 1 million dogs and only half of them are sterilised. Housing them in shelters is impractical. It is very difficult,' Agrawal told news agency ANI. He also described the removal of dogs as 'inhumane and cruel in itself' and warned that shelter conditions could be poor. PETA is now exploring legal options to challenge the decision.
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
PETA India calls SC's order on stray dogs 'impractical, illogical'
Last night, animal rights activists, rescuers, caregivers, and dog lovers held a protest in front of the India Gate against the Supreme Court order ANI General News PETA India Advocacy Associate, Shaurya Agrawal, criticised the Supreme Court's order to relocate stray dogs to shelters in Delhi-NCR, calling the decision "impractical and illogical" as it is going to "create chaos and more problems." Speaking with ANI, PETA Indian Advocacy Associate said, "This particular order is impractical, illogical and according to the animal birth control rules, also illegal. The Delhi government had 24 years to implement these sterilisation programs, implement the ABC rules. Delhi has 10 lakh dogs and only half of them are sterilised. Housing them in shelters is impractical. It is very difficult. This is going to create chaos and more problems." He further called the decision to remove dogs "inhumane and cruel in itself" and indicated that PETA is exploring all legal avenues to oppose the order. "Removal of dogs is inhumane, is cruelty in itself, and the conditions within the shelters are going to be very bad... We are exploring all our legal avenues," he said. Last night, animal rights activists, rescuers, caregivers, and dog lovers held a protest in front of the India Gate against the Supreme Court order. However, they were immediately stopped and detained by the police. "They don't want us to talk. These people are throwing everyone into jail. I am being detained because I do the noble work of feeding animals," said a caregiver of dogs while being detained by the police for protesting against the SC order. Meanwhile, Delhi Mayor Iqbal Singh has welcomed the Supreme Court's decision and assured that the administration will implement the order within the next six weeks. Speaking with ANI, Iqbal Singh said, "I welcome the Supreme Court's order, as the people of Delhi were facing a lot of problems. We will try our best to implement this order in the next 6 weeks." Earlier on Monday, a bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan said that all localities should be made free of stray dogs and there should not be any compromise. It also made it clear that no captured animal will be released back on the streets. It also ordered contempt proceedings against any individual or organisation that attempts to obstruct the authorities from carrying out the capture drive. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Time of India
PETA India demands ban on aggressive dog breeds like pit bulls
Mumbai: Following an incident where a 43-year-old man encouraged his pit bull to attack an 11-year-old boy in Mumbai, leaving him with injuries, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India (PETA India) has sent a letter to Dr K. H. Govindraj, Principal Secretary, Urban Development Department. They are renewing their call urging the state to implement a policy prohibiting the breeding, sale, and keeping of dog breeds such as Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Pakistani Bully Kuttas, Dogo Argentinos, Presa Canarios, Fila Brasileiros, Bull Terriers, Cane Corsos, and XL Bullies, which have been deliberately bred for illegal fighting and aggression. PETA India warns that such dogs are often sold to unsuspecting buyers who are themselves attacked or otherwise cannot control the animals. This is at least the fourth incident of attacks by pit bull-type dogs reported from Maharashtra this year. Earlier this year, on January 9, a pit bull viciously attacked a community dog in Aurangabad. On January 22 in Mumbai, an abandoned pit bull attacked and injured two people on Mahim Beach. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Do you have a mouse? Desert Order Undo On March 25, a 37-year-old woman was attacked by a pit bull and a Doberman in Mumbai. As a result of incidents like these, the Union Territory of Chandigarh and the State of Goa are finalising prohibitions on the breeding, selling, and keeping of pit bull-like dogs bred for aggression and attack. The Jharkhand govt recently banned the keeping, selling, and breeding of pit bulls, Rottweilers, and certain other foreign breeds. Previously, several municipal corporations implemented rules on keeping pit bulls and Rottweilers within city limits. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai "Pit bull and other such foreign dog breeds are bred to be unstoppable weapons and to be abused in dogfights," said PETA India Advocacy Associate, Shaurya Agrawal. He added, "We urge Maharashtra to immediately pass a statewide policy that prohibits the keeping, breeding, and sale of these dogs to protect humans from attacks and dogs from abuse." Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and similar foreign dog breeds are primarily used for dogfighting in India, even though inciting dogs to fight is illegal under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Without suitable enforcement, organised dogfights have become prevalent in parts of the country, making pit bull-type dogs and others used in these fights the most abused dog breeds. Pit bulls and related breeds are also typically kept on heavy chains as attack dogs, resulting in aggressive defensive behaviour and a lifetime of suffering. Many endure painful physical mutilations, such as ear cropping and tail docking – illegal procedures that involve removing part of a dog's ears or their tail to try to prevent another dog from grabbing them during a fight. PETA India advises that a prohibition could be achieved in the state by requiring such dogs to be mandatorily sterilised and registered while prohibiting the breeding, keeping, or selling of these dogs after a stipulated date. PETA India is also calling for the closure of illegal pet shops and breeders, as well as a crackdown on illegal dogfights.
India Today
22-07-2025
- India Today
After Pitbull encouraged to attack Mumbai boy, PETA renews call for ban on foreign breeds
Following an incident wherein a 43-year-old man encouraged his pit bull to attack an 11-year-old boy in Mumbai, leaving him with injuries, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India (PETA India) has sent a letter to the Dr K. H. Govindraj, IAS, Principal Secretary, Urban Development Department, renewing its call urging the state to implement a policy prohibiting the breeding, sale, and keeping of dog breeds such as Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Pakistani Bully Kuttas, Dogo Argentinos, Presa Canarios, Fila Brasileiros, Bull Terriers, Cane Corsos, and XL Bullies who have been deliberately bred for illegal fighting and India warns that such dogs are often sold to unsuspecting buyers who are themselves attacked or otherwise cannot control the is at least the fourth incident of attacks by pit bull-type dogs that has been reported from Maharashtra this this year, on 9 January, a pit bull viciously attacked a community dog in Aurangabad, and on 22 January in Mumbai, an abandoned pit bull attacked and injured two people on Mahim Beach. And on 25 March, a 37-year-old woman was attacked by a pit bull and a Doberman in Mumbai.A copy of the letter sent to the Government of Maharashtra is available here. Footage of illegal dogfights held in India a result of incidents like these, the Union Territory of Chandigarh and the State of Goa are finalising prohibitions on the breeding, selling, and keeping of pit bull-like dogs bred for aggression and Jharkhand government recently banned the keeping, selling and breeding of pit bulls, Rottweilers and certain other foreign breeds. And previously, several municipal corporations implemented rules on keeping pit bulls and Rottweilers within city limits.'Pit bull and other such foreign dog breeds are bred to be unstoppable weapons and to be abused in dogfights,' says PETA India Advocacy Associate Shaurya Agrawal. 'We urge Maharashtra to immediately pass a statewide policy that prohibits the keeping, breeding and sale of these dogs to protect humans from attacks and dogs from abuse.'Pit bulls, Rottweilers and similar foreign dog breeds are primarily used for dogfighting in India, even though inciting dogs to fight is illegal under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, suitable enforcement, organised dogfights have become prevalent in parts of the country, making pit bull–type dogs and others used in these fights the most abused dog bulls and related breeds are also otherwise typically kept on heavy chains as attack dogs, resulting in aggressive defensive behaviour and a lifetime of endure painful physical mutilations, such as ear cropping and tail docking, illegal procedures that involve removing part of a dog's ears or their tail to try to prevent another dog from grabbing them during a dogs are encouraged to continue fighting until they become exhausted and at least one is seriously injured or dies. Because dogfighting is illegal, injured dogs are not taken to India advises a prohibition could be achieved in the state by requiring such dogs to be mandatorily sterilised and registered while prohibiting the breeding, keeping, or selling of these dogs after a stipulated India is also calling for a closure of illegal pet shops and breeders, as well as a crackdown on illegal dogfights.- Ends
