A recent Supreme Court directive ordering the relocation of all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR to designated shelters within eight weeks has ignited a wave of debate across the country. While the ruling was justified by the court as a step to tackle rising dog-bite incidents and rabies cases, it has drawn criticism from animal welfare activists, citizens, and now Bollywood celebrities. Among the most prominent voices of dissent are actors Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan, who have publicly urged for more humane and sustainable solutions.
The Supreme Court Order: What It Says
On August 11, 2025, the Supreme Court issued a mandate to remove all stray dogs from public spaces in Delhi and move them to properly maintained shelters. The decision followed alarming reports of dog-bite cases, with city hospitals recording an estimated 2,000 incidents per day and rising concerns about rabies outbreaks.
The court’s order also directed authorities to set up a dedicated animal helpline and warned of strict contempt action against any individuals or organisations obstructing the relocation process. Supporters of the move argue that it prioritises public safety and addresses long-standing complaints from residents, particularly in urban neighbourhoods and residential societies.
Why the Decision is Controversial
Despite its intentions, the order has faced widespread backlash. Critics argue that the plan is both logistically impractical and ethically flawed.
Under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, the legally accepted method of managing stray dog populations involves sterilisation, vaccination, and re-release into their original territory. Relocating animals en masse, animal rights groups say, not only violates these rules but also risks overcrowding in shelters, increased disease transmission, and inhumane living conditions.
Financial feasibility is another concern. Experts estimate that building and maintaining adequate shelter facilities for Delhi’s estimated 500,000 to 1 million stray dogs could cost ₹15,000 crore or more, not including long-term upkeep.
Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan Step In
In the wake of the announcement, Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan took to Instagram to share a heartfelt note calling for compassion and science-backed solutions instead of mass confinement. The message read:
“They call it a menace. We call it a heartbeat. Removing an entire community of animals is not a solution; it’s an erasure. The way forward lies in mass sterilisation programmes, routine vaccination drives, community feeding zones, and nationwide adoption campaigns.”
Both stars stressed that public safety and animal welfare are not mutually exclusive goals. They urged citizens to support NGOs working on the ground and encouraged policy-makers to invest in long-term strategies rather than quick fixes.
Public Reaction and Wider Backlash
The celebrity appeal has amplified the voices of thousands who oppose the ruling. Animal rights organisations like PETA India, People for Animals, and CUPA have warned that the relocation effort could cause more harm than good. Social media platforms have seen trending hashtags such as #JusticeForStrays and #HumaneSolutions, with users sharing adoption stories and urging the government to focus on sterilisation and vaccination.
Street protests have also erupted in parts of Delhi, with activists holding placards reading “Compassion Over Confinement” and “Science, Not Sentiment”. Several demonstrators were briefly detained during peaceful gatherings near Connaught Place and India Gate.
Legal Pushback
Lawyers and animal welfare groups are preparing to file review petitions challenging the Supreme Court’s order. Their argument rests on three main points:
- Violation of ABC Rules (2023) – The relocation directive contradicts existing laws that promote sterilisation and vaccination over mass removal.
- Feasibility Issues – Delhi lacks the infrastructure to house such a large number of animals humanely.
- Risk of Precedent – If implemented in Delhi, the order could set a precedent for similar actions in other Indian cities, potentially leading to nationwide mass confinement.
The Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud Gavai, has acknowledged the growing public concern and stated that the court will “look into the matter” again.
The Broader Stray Dog Dilemma
India’s stray dog population is estimated at over 60 million, a result of unregulated breeding, inadequate sterilisation programmes, and insufficient public awareness. While aggressive incidents have indeed increased in some areas, experts point out that such cases often stem from inadequate waste management, lack of community feeding zones, and human-animal conflict.
Global best practices for managing street dog populations, such as those followed in Thailand, Sri Lanka, and certain Latin American countries, emphasise Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) methods, public education campaigns, and community involvement.
A Call for Balanced Action
The debate over Delhi’s stray dog policy is more than a legal or political issue it’s a test of how India balances human safety with compassion for animals. While victims of dog attacks deserve justice and protection, the blanket removal of stray dogs risks overlooking humane, effective alternatives.
As Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan’s intervention highlights, the conversation needs to shift towards coexistence strategies:
- Implementing large-scale sterilisation drives.
- Ensuring regular vaccination and health checks.
- Establishing feeding zones to reduce territorial aggression.
- Encouraging adoption through incentives.
Conclusion
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Supreme Court’s order stands, gets modified, or is replaced with a more balanced approach. One thing is certain: the voices of citizens, activists, and celebrities like Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan have brought much-needed attention to the plight of Delhi’s strays.
In a city struggling to balance urban development with animal welfare, the question remains: Can we create a future where both people and street dogs can thrive together?
