Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Oppose Supreme Court’s Stray Dog Ruling, Call for Humane Alternatives

The Supreme Court’s recent directive to remove stray dogs from Delhi and the National Capital Region and confine them to shelters within weeks has ignited strong reactions from political and public figures alike. Among the most vocal critics are Members of Parliament Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who have both denounced the order as inhumane and regressive.

Rahul Gandhi: “A Step Backwards”

Expressing his concern on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi called the Supreme Court’s decision “a step back from a long-standing policy that was supported both by science and humanitarian values.” He stated, “The Supreme Court’s directive to remove all stray dogs from Delhi NCR ignores decades of compassionate, scientific policy. These speechless souls are not a problem to be eliminated. Sheltering, sterilization, vaccination, and community care can keep streets safe without cruelty. Blanket removal is cruel, short-sighted, and erodes our compassion. We can ensure public safety and animal welfare together.”

Priyanka Gandhi: “Dogs Deserve Better, Not Cruelty”

Following her brother, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also posted on X, voicing her objection to the court’s order. She argued that relocating thousands of strays to overcrowded shelters would result in “inhumane treatment,” pointing out the lack of sufficient shelters in urban India.

“There aren’t enough shelters to accommodate this many animals, and experience shows that urban environments often lead to animal abuse and cruelty. Surely there is a better, more humane way to handle this—one that ensures both the care and safety of these gentle creatures,” Priyanka wrote. She emphasized, “Dogs are among the kindest, gentlest creatures. They don’t deserve such cruelty.”

The Supreme Court Order and the Wider Debate

The Supreme Court bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan issued its directive in response to the alarming rise in dog bite incidents, especially those that have led to rabies deaths and serious injuries among children. The court called for city authorities to begin building shelters for some 5,000 dogs over the next 6-8 weeks, and to incrementally expand these numbers to address public health concerns.

However, animal welfare advocates and politicians like the Gandhis stress that effective policies—such as mass sterilization, regular vaccination, and community care—offer humane and effective solutions, without resorting to mass culling or life-long confinement.

Public Outcry and Demand for Humane Solutions

With Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi joining other celebrities and activists, momentum is building for a compassionate approach that balances human safety with animal welfare.