John Abraham Urges CJI to Reconsider Supreme Court Order on Stray Dogs

Quick Summary

• Actor John Abraham addressed a letter to Chief Justice B R gavai on August 12, 2025, urging a review of the Supreme Court’s directive to remove street dogs from Delhi NCR streets and place them in shelters.
• The Supreme Court had issued this directive following concerns over stray dog bites and rabies cases, particularly among children.
• A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan described the situation as “extremely grim” and instructed Delhi authorities to house approximately 5,000 dogs in shelters within six to eight weeks.
• John Abraham argued that relocating street dogs goes against the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, which mandate sterilisation, vaccination, and returning dogs to their habitats.
• As PETA India’s honorary director, Abraham emphasized that community dogs are integral parts of neighborhoods. He stated displacement is impractical for an estimated population of 10 lakh street dogs in Delhi NCR.
• He cited accomplished implementation of ABC programs in cities like Jaipur and Lucknow as evidence that such measures can reduce aggression among sterilized dogs while controlling population growth humanely.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The Supreme Court’s decision reflects growing concerns around public health risks associated with stray dog bites and rabies incidents; though, it may have far-reaching implications for animal welfare policies. Actor John Abraham’s appeal amplifies ongoing debates between relocation-based solutions versus ABC-centric approaches like sterilization and vaccination. His argument aligns with existing laws advocating coexistence while maintaining public safety.

Implementing large-scale relocation comes with logistical challenges due to sheer numbers-reportedly over one million street dogs in Delhi NCR-and could inadvertently disrupt territorial dynamics within dog populations. The significant financial cost involved may also strain municipal budgets.On the other hand, proponents argue shelters might provide immediate relief for residents affected by stray-related incidents.

While prioritizing public health is critical, there seems scope for revisiting legally mandated methods such as ABC programs that aim at long-term animal population control without compromising humane treatment principles upheld by Indian laws sence 2015.

Read more: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/supreme-court-directs-delhi-authorities-to-pick-up-stray-dogs-keep-them-in-shelters/article69919187.ece