Hundreds of citizens, including animal welfare activists, students, and NGO volunteers, assembled in Pune on Saturday evening to express opposition to a recent Supreme Court interim order. The directive, issued on November 7, instructs municipal authorities nationwide to remove community dogs and cattle from various public locations such as institutions, schools, bus stops, highways, and railway stations.
Organizers and participants at the rally characterized the Supreme Court's order as "cruel" and "impractical," asserting it contradicts the principles of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. Activist Mariam Abuhaideri stated that the community felt excluded, as the court reportedly issued the order without consulting relevant NGOs or volunteers. She emphasized that the ABC Rules advocate for the sterilization, vaccination, and release of dogs back into their territories, a method she described as globally recognized and scientifically proven.
Protesters articulated concerns that removing dogs could disrupt existing community bonds, create population vacuums leading to the influx of unsterilized animals, and potentially escalate conflicts. They also raised alarms about the feasibility and welfare implications of housing large numbers of dogs in shelters, suggesting it could lead to "disease, cruelty and chaos."
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/pune-citizens-protest-sc-ruling-community-dogs-10368535/