On 17 August 2025, animal rights activists and dog lovers gathered in large numbers at Ramlila Maidan, central Delhi, continuing their protests against the Supreme Court’s directive to remove stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets and relocate them to shelters.

The heavy police presence did not deter around 300 to 400 protesters who marched through prominent city areas including Connaught Place and Karol Bagh, demanding the withdrawal of the order. Slogans such as “Awaara nahi hamara hai” (they are not strays, they are ours) and “Jeev hai toh jeevan hai” (if there is life, there is living) echoed through the streets, as demonstrators pressed for justice and humane treatment of street dogs.

The court had ordered authorities to start removing stray dogs from streets and place them into shelters, citing the urgent need to curb the rising incidents of dog bites and rabies cases in the city. The protesters, however, questioned the practicality and humaneness of this order, bringing attention to the inadequate shelter facilities and demanding a focus on sterilisation and vaccination instead.

Nationwide Solidarity: Protests Spread from Delhi to Lucknow, Siliguri, and Mumbai

Protests against the Supreme Court’s order to relocate stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets have resonated nationwide, sparking similar demonstrations in cities like Lucknow, West Bengal’s Siliguri, and Mumbai. In Lucknow, animal lovers highlighted the city’s success in achieving over 80% compliance with humane Animal Birth Control programmes, urging local authorities to reject forced removals.

Siliguri activists condemned the Delhi directive as “inhumane” and organised peaceful rallies to call for compassionate dog population management. Mumbai also witnessed gatherings where citizens joined voices with Delhi protesters, demanding government focus on sterilisation, vaccination, and community-driven care instead of drastic mass sheltering. This burgeoning nationwide movement reflects growing public awareness and advocacy for balanced, scientific solutions to India’s stray dog challenge.

Criticism of Government Sterilisation Efforts and Shelter Conditions

Protesters criticised Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for its alleged failure to implement effective sterilisation and vaccination programmes for stray dogs. Ashima Sharma, a protester, emphasised that community caregivers often have to fund sterilisation privately due to lack of government support.

Concerns were raised that the Supreme Court’s order equates to a death sentence in light of overcrowded and unhygienic shelter conditions where dogs might fight or contract infections. Activists called for improved infrastructure and transparency in shelter management rather than forced mass removals. The demonstration highlighted successes in other states, such as Lucknow’s 84% compliance with Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules, urging Delhi to adopt similar humane approaches.

Demand for Humane, Science-Based Solutions

Activists stressed that dog bites stem from fear and lack of awareness, not cruelty, and pointed out that the World Health Organization endorses sterilisation and vaccination as the most effective methods for population and disease control.

They urged authorities to work alongside community feeders who understand the dogs’ habits and health, encouraging partnership rather than confrontation. The protest articulated a vision of coexistence between humans and street dogs rooted in empathy, community involvement, and scientific management rather than harsh regulatory measures.

Ongoing Movement and Future Plans

The protest at Ramlila Maidan marked another chapter in a sustained campaign against the Supreme Court order, with organisers announcing plans to continue demonstrations at other city locations like Pacific Mall and Defence Colony.

The movement represents a broader struggle to balance public health and animal welfare concerns in one of India’s most dog-populous urban areas. As protests gain momentum, calls grow louder for the government to rethink policies and prioritise solutions that safeguard both citizens’ safety and the dignity of animals living in urban spaces.

Background: Authorities’ Stance and Protesters’ Demands

The Supreme Court, citing high dog bite and rabies cases, ordered Delhi NCR authorities to remove street dogs and build shelters, warning of contempt action for obstruction. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta assured the public a policy would soon be implemented, promising it would be humane and provide relief to residents.

Activists, supported by celebrities and NGOs, continue to challenge the legality and feasibility of the order, highlighting the lack of adequate shelters and urging for ongoing sterilisation and vaccination instead.

Animal rights activists and dog lovers gathered at Central Park, Connaught Place, on Saturday evening to protest the Supreme Court’s order accused the Delhi Police of using excessive force, assaulting women, and detaining participants before releasing them at Jantar Mantar and Jhandewalan. Social media videos captured uniformed officers striking protesters.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

The Logical Indian stands with a movement of peaceful, empathetic dissent. The surge in protests gives hope that humane, science-based policies will prevail over measures risking cruelty and chaos. Collaboration between government, civil society, and community will secure both public safety and the dignity of street animals.