Stray dogs start missing from public areas

Activists allege arbitrary dog pickups across Delhi as questions persist over shelters & compliance with SC order

- ADITI RAY CHOWDHURY @ New Delhi

Dog lovers protest against SC order at Jantar Mantar on Saturday

(SAYANTAN GHOSH)

DAYS after the Supreme Court directed all States and Union Territories to remove stray dogs from educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands and railway stations, and relocate them "to a designated shelter" after due sterilisation and vaccination, many of these spaces have witnessed a visible drop in dog numbers, say activists and caregivers.

They have also alleged that dogs are being picked up arbitrarily from several areas in the capital. However, where these dogs have been taken remains unclear especially given the lack of adequate animal shelters in the capital.