- Animal welfare groups say decision violates ABC rules
Bhopal: A peaceful protest was organized at Rishabhdev Park on Sunday against the Supreme Court’s recent directive to remove street dogs from public places such as schools, colleges, hospitals, railway stations, and bus stands, and shift them to rehabilitation centres.
Swati Gaurav, State Coordinator and Bhopal Unit Head of People for Animals (PFA), said the Supreme Court’s November 7 order is not only impractical but also directly violates the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.
“Under the ABC Rules, no community dog can be removed from its territory. Relocation is completely illegal and also against scientific understanding. A dog captured from one street cannot survive in another,” she said. She added that these concerns prompted animal lovers to gather and protest the decision.
Demand to be heard on Jan 16
Swati appealed to the Supreme Court to allow animal welfare organizations to present their arguments during the next hearing on January 16. She also urged Chief Secretary Anurag Jain to ensure that the rehabilitation plan being submitted to the court is realistic.
“Bhopal alone has over one lakh dogs. Does the government have the capacity and budget to rehabilitate them? Without a proper plan, shelters will become deathbeds,” she warned.
“Decision neither Constitutional nor Scientific”
Local activists said the order contradicts the ABC policy, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and the principle of coexistence. They emphasized strengthening sterilization, vaccination, and responsible administration rather than removing dogs.
The protest began at 4 p.m. and concluded peacefully with demands focused on animal rights and constitutional values. Activists said removing millions of community dogs is inhumane and impractical, stressing that the ABC program remains the most effective scientific solution.
