Bollywood actor John Abraham has stepped forward to voice his concern over the Supreme Court’s recent order directing the removal of stray dogs from Delhi and the NCR region. In a heartfelt letter to Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, John called the decision “impractical” and “inhumane,” stressing that these animals are part of the community and “very much Delhiites.”
Supreme Court’s Recent Order
On August 11, 2025, the Supreme Court instructed Delhi authorities to capture stray dogs from public areas, keep them in shelters, sterilize and vaccinate them, and prevent them from returning to the streets—within eight weeks.
The order came in response to rising incidents of dog bites and concerns about rabies in the region.
John Abraham’s Stand for Stray Dogs
John Abraham, known for his strong advocacy for animal rights, expressed deep disagreement with the ruling. In his letter, he argued:
- They Are Community Dogs: John emphasized that these animals are not outsiders—they have lived alongside Delhi’s residents for years.
- Violation of Existing Law: He pointed to the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Dog Rules, 2023, which clearly state that sterilized and vaccinated dogs should be returned to their original locations.
- Scientific Approach Ignored: According to WHO-backed research, mass removal of street dogs can create a “vacuum effect”, where displaced dogs are replaced by new, unvaccinated ones—worsening the problem.
Examples of Humane Solutions
John cited successful ABC programs in cities like:
- Jaipur – where around 70% of the stray dog population has been sterilized.
- Lucknow – achieving 84% sterilization rates.
These examples prove that long-term, humane strategies can work better than relocation.
Public Reaction and Debate
The ruling has sparked intense debate across the country:
- Animal Welfare Groups argue the order conflicts with established laws and humane practices.
- Critics believe it could lead to the misuse of public funds—potentially diverting more money to dog shelters than essential human healthcare.
- Some fear it could set a dangerous precedent for other Indian cities facing similar stray dog issues.
John’s Final Message
In his appeal, John urged the court to consider scientific, compassionate, and legally compliant methods rather than mass relocation. For him, the stray dogs of Delhi are not a problem to be removed, but a part of the city’s fabric that needs to be cared for responsibly.
✅ Key Takeaway: The debate over stray dogs in Delhi isn’t just about animal welfare—it’s also about legal rights, public health, and the ethical responsibility of a city towards its animals.