India’s Supreme Court ruled in April 2025 that municipal bodies can remove “nuisance” street dogs from public spaces. Schools, hospitals, railway stations, etcetera.
The trigger: Unconfirmed figures of dog bites and rabies deaths across Bharat—highest globally (allegedly). Till date, neither the Union Government, nor State Governments, nor advocates against strays, nor advocates supporting animals have been able to give us an exact number.
Local bodies are required to sterilize, vaccinate, and relocate dogs to dilapidated and underfunded shelters where dogs are stuffed with no proper ventilation and food – ingredients for violent behavior.
Animal activists and feeders are routinely harassed, abused and assaulted by “defenders of human rights and concerned parents” using Supreme Court’s rulings as ammo.
Yet the premise ignores context. Humans drive the conflict.
Habitat Encroachment
Pre-1990s, Chennai’s Porur and areas in OMR including Padur and were wetlands hosting migratory birds, reptiles, and mammal corridors. Post-liberalization, 62 percent of Chennai’s wetlands vanished to real estate (2023 MoEF report).
Nationally, India lost 38 percent tree cover between 2001–2023 (Global Forest Watch). Dogs, cats, birds—native species—lost foraging grounds, water sources, den sites.
These displaced beings enter urban pockets. Street dog population: 15–20 million (2024 estimate). And no wild left to return to.
When you cut a tree, pigeons, monkeys, squirrels, sparrows lose their home. Where are they supposed to go? Where should the cats who hunt squirrels are go? Where are the snakes supposed to go?
The Competence Gap
Legal systems excuse humans unfit to stand trial—minors, mentally ill—because intent and understanding matter. Animals lack such awareness.
A dog biting in defense or hunger does not comprehend bylaws. Culling or relocation to underfunded shelters (90 percent lack veterinary care, per 2023 AWBI audit) punishes without comprehension. Relocation fails: 70 percent dogs return within weeks or perish from stress, starvation (IISc study, 2022).
New Age parents cocoon their kids from pollution, playing rough and stray animals. When kids harass these animals, they are backed up by parents who want to abolish anything that is not human.
Shared Responsibility
Builders and Government approve projects on eco-sensitive zones; 42 percent Chennai buildings violate CRZ norms (2024 NGT data).
Citizens: Feed strays inconsistently, encouraging dependency; dump waste attracting dogs.
Municipalities: Sterilization coverage <30 percent target; garbage clearance covers 60 percent wards.
Realistic Expectations
5 years: 50 percent sterilization in metros; community feeding zones to reduce roaming.
15 years: 80 percent coverage + habitat corridors in new urban plans; zero-cull policy via TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return).
Voluntary feeding without sterilization worsens cycles. Enforcement must target root causes—waste, encroachment—not symptoms.
Practical Steps
- Individuals: Feed at fixed community spots; report bites for vaccination, not culls.
- RWAs: Fund local TNR; plant native trees for birds.
- Policy: Mandate 5% green corridors in layouts; tax builders on lost wetlands.
- Courts: Frame dogs as displaced citizens, not trespassers.
Punishing the incompetent is not justice. Restore space, manage populations humanely. Action the phrase – “Earth is for all.”
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