New Delhi: Former Union Minister and animal rights advocate Maneka Gandhi has termed the Supreme Court’s recent directive to relocate stray animals to shelter homes as “impractical,” emphasizing that India’s approach toward animals should be rooted in compassion and empathy rather than rigid enforcement.
Supreme Court Orders Relocation of Stray Animals
The Supreme Court, in its November 7 ruling, instructed authorities to remove stray dogs, cats, and other animals from public spaces such as schools, colleges, hospitals, bus terminals, and railway stations. The order also mandates sterilization, vaccination, and relocation of these animals to designated shelter homes.
The decision comes in response to a reported sharp rise in incidents of dog bites at public institutions. Additionally, agencies like the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) have been directed to remove stray animals from highways and expressways to ensure public safety.
Gandhi Raises Practical Concerns
Speaking at the launch of the ‘CineKind’ initiative, a program aimed at promoting compassion toward animals in cinema, ManekaGandhi expressed her concerns over the feasibility of the Supreme Court’s directive.
“The Court has asked authorities to remove dogs, cats, monkeys, and place them in shelters while sterilizing them,” Gandhi said. “In reality, this is something no one can practically implement. The directive overlooks the coordination gaps among local municipal bodies and the challenges of handling large populations of stray animals.”
She stressed that India’s interaction with animals should be guided by kindness and empathy, rather than purely regulatory measures, warning that enforcement-focused approaches may not achieve the desired outcomes for animal welfare.
CineKind Initiative Promotes Animal Welfare in Media
Gandhi made these remarks at the launch of the CineKind initiative, spearheaded by the Film Federation of India (FFI) in collaboration with her organization, People for Animals (PFA). The initiative aims to encourage the Indian film industry to depict animals and nature with empathy, portraying compassion as a strength rather than a weakness.
By linking media representation with awareness, the campaign seeks to foster ethical treatment of animals and reinforce the cultural importance of kindness toward all living beings.
Compassion Over Control
ManekaGandhi’s comments highlight the ongoing debate about how India balances public safety and animal rights. While the Supreme Court emphasizes preventive measures and containment, advocates argue that stray animals require humane, compassionate management rather than purely legalistic approaches.
She concluded that while the intent of the directive is commendable, the practical implementation without adequate infrastructure and coordination may compromise both animal welfare and human safety.
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