The Supreme Court of India has mandated the removal of around 5,00,000 stray dogs in New Delhi, citing a significant increase in dog bite incidents that have led to rabies infections. This decision comes amid growing public concern over the safety of residents, particularly in urban areas where stray dog populations have been a persistent challenge.
Conservationists and animal welfare organizations have strongly criticized the ruling, arguing that the proposed measures are both impractical and unscientific. They emphasize that the root causes of the problem, such as inadequate vaccination programs and the absence of effective sterilization initiatives, have not been addressed in the court’s directive. Instead, the order focuses on a temporary and potentially harmful solution that could lead to further complications for both humans and animals.
Environmental experts have warned that the mass removal of stray dogs could disrupt local ecosystems and lead to an imbalance in the animal population. They advocate for more sustainable strategies, such as community-based animal management programs and increased public awareness campaigns about responsible pet ownership. Despite these concerns, the court’s order appears to be a direct response to the immediate threat posed by rabies transmission and the rising number of bite incidents in the region.