New Delhi, Aug 22 (PTI) – A significant congregation of animal activists and caregivers gathered at Jantar Mantar on Friday, anticipating the Supreme Court's ruling on the relocation of stray dogs.
The animal activists have expressed strong objections to a recent Supreme Court mandate directing the removal and relocation of all stray dogs from the streets of Delhi-NCR to shelters.
This order has been met with substantial criticism from animal welfare groups. They argue that existing shelters are inadequate and ill-prepared for such an undertaking, emphasizing that the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, which involves sterilization and vaccination of dogs before returning them to their original locations, is the only legal and humane approach.
The activists are actively seeking a reversal of this judgement.
According to an activist, they had all been awake since "Brahma muhurta" at 4 am, praying fervently for a favorable verdict.
"If we lose today, I might leave the country for some time. I simply can't endure this pain. I would send my street kids (dogs) to a shelter, pay for their upkeep every month, and go away," said one of the activists.
Simran Kaur, another protester, stated that lakhs of Delhi residents who adore these "street kids" were feeling anxious, underscoring the profound emotional connection between citizens and the city's stray dogs.
The Supreme Court is set to announce its decision on the issue on Friday, following the reservation of its order on August 14.
Animal rights activists and caregivers had previously marked a "Black Thursday" protest at Jantar Mantar in opposition to the Supreme Court's directive to relocate stray dogs. They pledged to conduct sterilization drives independently, aiming for a rabies-free India.
Dressed in black and holding placards that read: "ABC is the law, compassion is the way," "Vaccinate, sterilise, return not remove," "Ahimsa for all, big or small," and "Kindness is our strength, let street dogs live," the protesters voiced their demand for justice for street animals.
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