Stray dogs are living beings, not pests. If India tolerates cows roaming freely on every street, why are dogs treated differently—why kill what we can coexist with?

International Dog Day is more than a celebration of pets; it is a reminder of the responsibility we share toward all dogs—including the millions of strays who live on India’s streets. This year, the debate has been sharpened by the Supreme Court of India’s recent judgment on stray dog management, a ruling that has triggered both relief and renewed responsibility.

A Judicial Turning Point

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court directed that stray dogs in Delhi-NCR be removed from the streets and shifted to shelters. The order sparked public outrage, with animal welfare groups calling it impractical and even a “death warrant” for many animals, given the shortage of proper shelters. Delhi alone has an estimated one million stray dogs, far outnumbering the available space in municipal facilities.

In response to nationwide protests, the Court revised its order on August 22, 2025, adopting a more humane, science-based approach:

• Stray dogs will be captured, sterilised, vaccinated, and returned to their original locations, except those proven to be rabid or aggressive.
• Feeding will be permitted only at designated zones, balancing compassion with public safety.
• A national framework for stray dog management is to be drafted, ensuring consistency across states.

This ruling reflects India’s long-standing Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, which emphasise sterilisation and vaccination rather than mass relocation or culling.

Why Protection Matters

Protecting stray dogs is not just an animal rights issue—it is about public health, urban coexistence, and ethical governance.

1. Science Over Fear
   Sterilisation and vaccination are proven, humane methods for reducing population and preventing rabies. Mass removals, on the other hand, only create fresh territorial conflicts.
2. A Shared Community Bond
   Strays are not outsiders—they are part of the neighbourhood fabric. Many residents feed and care for them, reflecting India’s culture of coexistence.

Moral Responsibility
Dogs, like humans, are sentient beings deserving dignity. A compassionate society cannot turn away from their suffering.

Policy and Infrastructure
The Court’s judgment highlights the urgent need for stronger veterinary networks, better-funded municipal bodies, and public education campaigns.

On International Dog Day

As the world honours its most loyal companion, India faces a test: can it turn judicial directives into grassroots action? The path is clear—support sterilisation drives, respect feeding zones, and demand long-term planning from civic bodies.

Protecting stray dogs is not at odds with public safety. Done right, it creates healthier cities, safer streets, and a more compassionate society.

This International Dog Day, let us commit not only to celebrating the dogs who live in our homes but also to safeguarding those who live outside them. Because in protecting them, we protect a piece of our humanity.

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