BJP leader Maneka Gandhi appeals to CJI for humane review of stray dog removal decision in Delhi-NCR

New Delhi, August 14: In the wake of the ongoing debate over the Supreme Court’s recent ruling concerning the removal of stray dogs from the Delhi-NCR region, senior BJP leader and noted animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi has made an emotional appeal to the Chief Justice of India (CJI). She urged the court to review its decision “with love,” stressing that the ultimate objective of both the court and animal welfare advocates is aligned — ensuring safety while protecting the rights of animals.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel for the latest news, alerts & updates – Don’t miss out!

Maneka Gandhi acknowledged the concerns of residents about stray dog attacks but maintained that mass removal was not a viable or humane solution. “Nobody favours the ill-treatment of animals,” she said, noting that many people believe that relocating the dogs would automatically prevent incidents of dog bites. “I agree with the intention behind that concern,” she remarked, “but removing the animals from one place does not mean they will simply vanish from the city or stop existing.”

Gandhi explained that Delhi currently has an estimated three lakh stray dogs, and even if they were removed from their current locations, other stray dogs would eventually migrate in to fill the ecological gap — a phenomenon well-documented in urban animal population studies. This cycle, she warned, could lead to ongoing challenges rather than resolving the problem permanently.

Emphasizing a more balanced and compassionate approach, the veteran leader urged that measures such as widespread sterilization, vaccination drives, and community awareness programmes should be prioritized over mass displacement. “Our goals are the same,” she reiterated, “but the path we choose must be both effective and humane.”

Her statement comes at a time when public opinion is sharply divided, with some supporting the court’s decision for public safety and others raising concerns about animal rights and ethical treatment. The appeal from Maneka Gandhi is expected to further intensify the discussion on how India should address the complex issue of stray dog management in its urban centres.