From Land to Sea , No compassion for Dogs Overseas

Like the human population, animals too are vulnerable to the atrocities of war and conflict. But unlike humans, they are not represented by counsels at tribunals. When Israel entered into war with the dreadful terrorist organization Hamas in response to the October 7th massacre, a significant population of animals also fell victim to the shelling and bombing.

However, many positive stories emerged in the media, highlighting the bravery of Israeli citizens who risked their lives to rescue animals during the Israel-Hamas war. One such inspiring incident was that of Adam Benett and Yoav Ben David, who rescued over 600 animals — including 430 dogs. What started with a simple Facebook post by Adam soon led to the formation of Mechaltzim Ve’nehenim, a foundation under whose banner they carried out these life-saving rescues from war-torn regions of the country.

Another heart-wrenching case that garnered global attention was that of Mia Leimberg, who emerged from Hamas captivity with her dog, Bella. Their ordeal will likely leave emotional scars for years, but their survival also became a beacon of hope for families still awaiting the return of their loved ones from captivity.

In addition, the media was filled with tales of the elite Israeli canine unit, Oketz, whose discipline, coordination, and unwavering loyalty to their fellow soldiers reinforced the saying: “Dogs are man’s most loyal friend.” Sadly, some dogs from the unit succumbed to injuries, lost limbs, or were blinded by shrapnel. According to France24, pet dogs who lost their caretakers during the war were rehomed by an NGO called Kelev Tov (meaning “Good Dog” in Hebrew), ensuring they found new families and homes.

While these stories continue to surface, what also compels me to write this article is a landmark judgment recently passed by the Supreme Court of India — the apex court in the country’s judicial hierarchy.

Supreme Court’s Stray Dog Order: A Backward Step?

On 1st August, a two-judge bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan took suo motu cognizance of the growing stray dog issue in Delhi, citing increasing dog bite cases and rabies-related deaths. The bench directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and other relevant authorities to vaccinate, sterilize, and relocate all stray dogs in the Delhi-NCR region to shelter homes within 8 weeks.

To many — myself included — the judgment appears impractical and inhumane, with the potential to worsen the already complex stray dog problem.

The directive directly contradicts the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, which govern stray dog management in India using the Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (CNVR) model. In fact, the Supreme Court itself has, in previous judgments, emphasized sterilization and vaccination of stray dogs while acknowledging the intrinsic value of every sentient being.

The recent judgment sparked widespread protests. From Azad Maidan in Delhi and Eco Garden in Lucknow to public squares in Chennai, citizens — including activists, feeders, celebrities, and progressive intellectuals — came out in support of stray dogs and against the Supreme Court’s directive.

An interim plea was filed, requesting the court to revisit or stay its earlier order. However, a three-judge bench upheld the previous directive, stating:
“Everyone who has filed intervention will have to own responsibility.”

The population remains divided over the issue. Some support the move as a way to address public safety concerns, while others condemn it as unconstitutional and lacking compassion.

Maneka Gandhi, former MP, ex-Minister for Women and Child Development, and founder of People for Animals, criticized the decision as “financially unviable” and “an insensible decision made in anger.” In her article published in Hindustan Times, she wrote: “There is not a single government-run shelter in Delhi today.”

She also pointed out a historic parallel — in the 1880s, Paris culled dogs and cats in an attempt to eliminate disease, only to face a devastating bubonic plague soon after.

Stay tuned for my upcoming article on the global rabies outbreak and the problems associated with the relocation and management of stray dogs.