The Supreme Court’s refusal to modify its directions on removing stray dogs from public places has triggered a fresh political and animal welfare debate, with former Minister Vijay Goel welcoming the decision as a victory for public safety, while animal rights activist and BJP leader Maneka Gandhi stressed the need for proper implementation of sterilisation and shelter systems.
Reacting to the court’s decision, Goel said the verdict gave “top priority to public safety and health” by upholding directions to remove stray dogs from areas around schools, hospitals and other public places, and relocate them to shelter homes.
“The safety of human life comes first. This decision is extremely important and welcome for the safety of children, the elderly and ordinary citizens,” he said.
Goel added the Supreme Court had refused to entertain pleas filed against its November 7, 2025 order and had directed High Courts to monitor implementation across states and submit reports in November. He also criticised civic bodies and state governments for failing to allocate adequate budgets or construct sufficient shelter homes.
Meanwhile, Gandhi said the court had merely declined further hearings and directed aggrieved parties to approach High Courts if required.
Referring to the earlier order, she said authorities had been directed to remove stray dogs from sensitive public spaces and establish shelters, but alleged that “none of these directives has been implemented properly”.
Gandhi argued that properly functioning Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres were key to resolving the issue. She alleged that many existing centres were poorly managed and claimed sterilised dogs generally do not pose aggression risks if the system operates effectively.
