Bhubaneswar: Several animal welfare organisations, animal rights activists, and concerned citizens gathered at Lower PMG Square, Sunday afternoon here, expressing strong opposition to recent court rulings on stray dogs.
Demonstrators voiced their concerns over recent hearings by the Supreme Court and the Rajasthan High Court, claiming a regressive and unrealistic approach to stray dog management. Holding placards and banners, with slogans promoting compassion and coexistence, the protestors called out that such rulings ignore India’s cultural and ecological traditions of living harmoniously with animals.
The event was organised and coordinated by Animal Welfare Trust Ekamra (AWTE) and Speak for Animals Trust. Participants voiced for a community-led, humane solutions—particularly the effective implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme—rather than mass removal or indefinite sheltering of stray dogs.
“Coexistence with animals is deeply rooted in our culture and represents the most sustainable path forward,” said one of the organiser while addressing the gathering.
Activists argued that the ABC programme, which involves sterilising and vaccinating stray dogs before releasing them back to their original locations, remains the most practical and ethical method of population control. However, the initiative is poorly implemented across the country.
AWTE founder Purabi Patra pointed out the logistical and financial challenges of long-term sheltering proposals and said, “When we are in a race to become a developed country and we don’t want to see dogs on the road, we should ensure that we have the capacity to match infrastructure and resource need for sheltering. Many countries have successfully implemented the Animal Birth Control programme. We should learn from them.”
“Neutered dogs stay healthy and become docile, saving the enormous costs of lifetime care. Rather than an unfeasible sheltering plan, focusing on successful ABC programmes is a more humane and practical solution,” she added.
A joint appeal to both the public and policymakers was made by the protestors to uphold a balanced, compassionate, and ecologically informed approach towards animal welfare. Demonstrators stressed that protecting stray dogs does not come at the cost of public safety—but both goals can be met through science-based, community-supported strategies.
PNN