The Supreme Court’s recent directive to shift all stray dogs in the Delhi-NCR area to designated shelters has triggered heated debates among animal lovers, activists, and celebrities across India. The ruling, issued on August 11 as part of a suo motu case following a spike in dog bite complaints, has split public opinion.
Among the first well-known personalities to openly support the verdict is singer Rahul Vaidya. Breaking away from the wave of celebrity criticism, Rahul took to Instagram on Thursday to say, “I support the honourable court’s judgement! I love dogs but as Gandhi ji said, ‘Roving dogs reflect society’s neglect, not compassion.’”
In another Instagram story, the singer questioned the sincerity of those opposing the court’s order. “If you truly love stray dogs, take them home. Don’t just post long emotional stories on social media while criticising the court. That only fuels the media-driven feud. Loving animals has nothing to do with this issue,” he wrote.
Rahul also challenged critics to think about the issue from a safety perspective, asking, “If your parents or children got bitten by stray dogs, would your opinion still be the same?”
Sharing his own encounter, Rahul recalled being bitten by a dog in 2021, a stray that had been adopted by a well-known actor. According to Rahul, children in that building told him the dog had a habit of biting people. Adding a touch of irony, he noted, “This actor hosts a crime-based show.”
Initially, his comment sparked speculation online that the actor might be Anup Soni. However, Rahul later clarified, “Sorry, my bad, this actor doesn’t host Crime Patrol, but a similar crime show. The point isn’t the actor’s identity. The point is people opposing the court’s judgement without considering the seriousness of the problem. Judges are not jokers; they’re in that position for a reason.”
Since the court’s order, several animal rights groups have staged protests in Delhi, leading to multiple arrests by the police. On August 13, Chief Justice of India BR Gavai assured a speedy review of a petition challenging the relocation directive, also ordering an expansion of shelter facilities to accommodate the animals.
While the final word from the court is still pending, Rahul’s blunt stand has added fuel to the already intense debate, forcing both sides to reconsider whether the issue is about compassion, public safety, or a balance between the two.
