From Pidi to strays, Rahul has always loved dogs

Rahul Gandhi criticises Supreme Court's dog removal order, calling it cruel, shortsighted and unscientific.

- ANAND SINGH

Even as a heated debate has taken place over the Supreme Court ruling on the stray dogs to remove them from Delhi-NCR, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi slammed the order and said that it is a step back from decades of science, humane-backed policy and said blanket removals are cruel, shortsighted and public safety and animal welfare go hand in hand.

This is not the first time that Rahul Gandhi has shown love for the canines, but the same has also brought in the firing zone from his former party colleague Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Earlier last week, in a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said, "The Supreme Court's directive to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR is a step back from decades of humane, science-backed policy."

He said: "These voiceless souls are not 'problems' to be erased. Shelters, sterilisation, vaccination and community care can keep streets safe - without cruelty."

"Blanket removals are cruel, shortsighted, and strip us of compassion. We can ensure public safety and animal welfare go hand in hand," he added.

The remarks from the Congress leader came after the Supreme Court on Monday ordered picking of all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR within eight weeks, directing that they be housed in dog shelters.

The Supreme Court, hearing a suo motu case over dog bites in the national capital on Monday, directed that no stray canines will be released back.

In a warning, the Supreme Court said, "If any person or organisation comes in way of picking up of stray dogs, action will be taken."

Rahul Gandhi in the month of August in 2023 had brought a twin canine from Goa.

Rahul Gandhi after completing his private visit to Goa took with him a three-month-old Jack Russell Terrier puppy.