In India's capital Delhi and financial hub Mumbai, controversies surrounding dogs and pigeons are heating up. The Supreme Court has issued strict orders for stray dogs in Delhi, while the Bombay High Court has imposed a ban on feeding pigeons in Mumbai. Activists advocating animal rights have become vocal regarding these issues. The court's verdicts have sparked a mix of praise and criticism.
Debate over Stray Dogs in Delhi
On Monday, the Supreme Court issued stringent directives to clear Delhi-NCR streets of stray dogs. All stray dogs are to be captured and relocated to dog shelters immediately. Orders have been made for their sterilization and vaccination. Legal action for contempt is warned against those obstructing the catching of dogs. This decision prioritizes the safety of children, the elderly, and women.
Why Animal Activists are Unhappy with the Supreme Court's Verdict: Insights into Animal Birth Control Laws
The stray dog issue in Delhi has long been a subject of concern. Alarming instances of dog bites and assaults have raised public worry. The Supreme Court acknowledges the gravity of this issue, taking suo motu cognizance to make this ruling. The court asserts that so-called animal lovers cannot revive the lives of children lost to rabies, hence prompt action is essential.
Serious Concerns Over Removing Dogs
This ruling by the Supreme Court has been actively opposed by several animal rights activists and organizations. Former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi criticized the decision as impractical, stating that there are over three lakh dogs in Delhi and accommodating them all in shelters would require 15,000 crore rupees, an unfeasible sum for the Delhi government. She argues that this decision overlooks animal rights.
Gandhi remarked that feeding the captured dogs alone would cost around 5 crores weekly, potentially inciting public outrage. Additionally, approximately 150,000 people would be needed for their care. She cautioned that removing dogs from streets could cause environmental issues, predicting that as dogs vacate the streets, monkeys may move in. She mentioned that in 1880s Paris, when cats and dogs were removed from streets, the city became overrun with rats due to dogs acting as 'rodent control animals.'
Rahul Gandhi Also Opposes
Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also opposed this Supreme Court decision. He suggests that shelters, sterilization, vaccination, and community care can ensure safe streets without cruelty. He argued that abruptly removing dogs collectively is cruel, myopic, and lacks compassion. It is possible to ensure public safety while maintaining animal welfare.
When All Dogs Were Removed from This City... Sewers Filled with Rats, Decision Had to Be Reversed
Furthermore, senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, representing animal rights activists in the Supreme Court, argues that instructions to shift stray dogs from localities to government shelters conflict with Animal Welfare Board (AWBI) regulations. Delhi animal rights activist Asher Jesudas expressed significant implementation challenges in enforcing the court's decision. He believes the ruling contradicts the spirit of non-violence and animal cruelty prevention.
Battle Over Pigeons in Mumbai
Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court has imposed a restriction on feeding pigeons, driven by health concerns. The court notes that pigeon droppings lead to respiratory diseases. Complying with the court's orders, the BMC has already shut down several pigeon-feeding zones and imposed fines on those caught feeding them.
Religious and Social Aspects
The issue of feeding pigeons in Mumbai has transformed into a religious and social dispute. The Jain community and other bird lovers oppose this ban, stating that feeding pigeons is part of their religious duty and not doing so is seen as cruelty towards creatures. Jain monk Nilesh Chandra Vijay has warned of hunger strikes and protests if necessary.
Five Lakh Stray Dogs, 3.7 Million Dog Bites, Rising Rabies Deaths... The Growing Street Dog Problem
Monk Vijay argued that some people sacrifice goats, seeing it as their religious practice. He insists on practicing his beliefs. He pointed out that while people dying from alcohol and drugs attract little concern, Jainism teaches the protection of all, from ants to elephants.
