Animal Rights Activists Rally in Janakpuri Against Supreme Court's Order on Stray Dogs

In Janakpuri, animal rights activists protested the Supreme Court's order to relocate stray dogs. They advocated for vaccination and sterilisation instead of removal, highlighting the need for humane solutions.

A peaceful rally took place in Janakpuri on Wednesday, where animal rights activists and dog lovers gathered to protest a Supreme Court order. The order directed authorities in Delhi-NCR to move stray dogs to shelters. The demonstrators advocated for keeping the dogs on the streets, suggesting sterilisation and vaccination as better alternatives.

The protest was held at Choti Sabzi Mandi Park in West Delhi. It drew a diverse crowd, including residents, students, senior citizens, and caregivers. Many attendees brought their pet dogs and displayed posters to voice their concerns. The rally lasted about two hours and remained peaceful throughout.

Concerns Over Shelter Conditions

Protesters argued that relocating community dogs to shelters could endanger them due to inadequate facilities. They highlighted that existing shelters are either overcrowded or nonexistent. "Community dogs are part of our neighborhoods," an organiser stated, emphasising the need for improved sterilisation and vaccination efforts instead of removal.

Participants carried placards with messages like "Animal welfare is human welfare" and "No removal, only vaccination." They urged authorities to focus on humane, long-term solutions rather than relocating the animals. The activists expressed their determination to continue similar campaigns across the city until their demands are met.

Supreme Court's Directive

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court directed authorities in Delhi-NCR to relocate stray dogs to shelters. The court noted that the issue had worsened due to civic bodies' inaction. This directive prompted the rally as activists sought to raise awareness about alternative solutions for managing stray dog populations.

The rally's organisers stressed that community dogs play a vital role in neighbourhoods. They called for enhanced efforts in sterilisation and vaccination drives as more effective measures than relocation. The activists believe that addressing these issues humanely will benefit both animals and humans alike.

The protesters' commitment to their cause remains strong, with plans for future rallies in different parts of the city. They aim to keep advocating until authorities address their concerns about stray dog management effectively.

With inputs from PTI