Bengaluru citizens protest against SC order on street dogs removal

Bengaluru

More than 250 citizens assembled at Freedom Park on Tuesday in a strong show of dissent against the Supreme Court’s recent directive to permanently remove street dogs from public institutions such as schools and hospitals. The gathering, which mirrored similar protests across the country, saw participation from animal welfare NGOs, activists, and public figures including actor Aindrita Ray.

Ray, addressing the crowd, said she was “proud of Bengaluru” for standing up for street animals. Warning that the removal of sterilised and vaccinated dogs would create ecological imbalance, she said, “if we remove our sterilised and vaccinated street dogs, unvaccinated and unsterilised dogs from semi-urban areas will enter. The problem will only get worse.”

Protestors urged the apex court to consider solution-driven alternatives, especially proper implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme. Several raised placards and slogans, with chants of “No Dogs, No Votes!” echoing through the protest.

Keerthan RP, Manager at Charlie’s Animal Rescue Centre, highlighted that street dogs often act as protectors, especially for women feeders. “Shelters are not ideal for healthy dogs. Dogs belong in their communities,” he said.

Political leaders also weighed in. Arun Prasad of the Bahujan Samaj Party argued that the SC directive contradicts existing rules mandating that sterilised and vaccinated dogs be released back to their territories. “The law is clear. ABC and AWBI guidelines forbid keeping such dogs in shelters,” he noted.

Activists questioned the swiftness with which municipal authorities began capturing dogs, even though they have struggled for years to sterilise and vaccinate them.

Experts reiterated that ABC remains the only scientifically proven method to control rabies and stabilise street dog populations, citing Goa’s rabies-free status as a model. Rashmi Bal of Kumarapark Animal Aid said two decades of ABC efforts had transformed her locality. “ABC is the only humane solution that works,” she asserted.

Calling for compassion and coexistence, Priya Chetty Rajagopal urged citizens to meet local officials and ensure due process is followed. “Until conditions like surveys, shelters and proper infrastructure are fulfilled, they cannot pick up our dogs,” she said.

Speakers emphasised that street dogs are part of the ecosystem and deserve equal rights, with The Praana Foundation’s Aniruddha Ravindra adding, “they protected us during crises. They protect our homes and streets. They are not voiceless—we just don’t hear them.”