Justice for Street Dogs: Why Confinement Is Not the Answer

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Context: A Judgment That Shook the Streets

A recent Division Bench judgment—delivered by Hon’ble Justice J.B. Pardiwala (Presiding) and Hon’ble Justice R. Mahadevan—has directed the removal of all community dogs from public spaces and their confinement in a single location.

While the intent may be rooted in public safety, the directive raises serious concerns: legal, ethical, practical, and scientific.

⚖️ Legal Faultlines: What the Law Actually Says

  • The Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, mandate a capture–neuter–vaccinate–release protocol.

  • Courts have consistently upheld the territorial rights of community dogs.

  • Mass confinement violates Article 51A(g) of the Constitution, which enjoins compassion toward all living beings.

Scientific & Practical Realities

Delhi has an estimated 3 lakh community dogs. Confining them is not just logistically impossible—it’s a public health hazard.

  • Overcrowding, disease outbreaks, and high mortality are inevitable.

  • Vacuum effect: Removing dogs from one area invites unsterilised, unvaccinated dogs from others—leading to more bites and rabies risk.

️ The Humane Roadmap: What Actually Works

The Delhi High Court–mandated roadmap offers a viable alternative:

  • Upgraded ABC Centres with surgical and post-op facilities

  • Zone-wise sterilisation and return to original territories

  • Training for humane capture and care

  • Regulation of breeders and waste disposal

This approach is lawful, ethical, and effective—unlike mass confinement, which is neither.

Our Representation: A Call for Review

We’ve formally submitted a representation to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India and the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, urging a review of the judgment and a return to the ABC-based model.

“We remain ready to assist in designing and implementing an effective action plan that balances public safety with compassion for animals.”

Bytecraft Reflection: Compassion Is a Civic Duty

This isn’t just about dogs—it’s about how we treat the voiceless, how we interpret law with empathy, and how we build cities that are safe and kind.

Let’s not confine compassion. Let’s release it—territorially, legally, and spiritually.

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