New Delhi, August 12, 2025 – The Supreme Court’s order directing the removal of all stray dogs from public spaces in Delhi-NCR has sparked strong criticism from several Bollywood celebrities, who have called it inhumane and counterproductive. The order, passed on August 11, mandates that the animals be moved to shelters following a rise in dog bite incidents and rabies-related deaths.

Actor John Abraham issued a direct appeal to Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, urging a review of the ruling. In his letter, Abraham stressed that Delhi’s strays are “community dogs—respected and loved by many, and very much Delhiites in their own right.” He argued that the directive contradicts the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, and the court’s own past judgments, which promote sterilisation, vaccination, and returning dogs to their original areas as the only humane and effective population control method.

Citing examples from Jaipur and Lucknow, where over 70% of dogs have been sterilised, Abraham said Delhi could achieve similar results. He warned that displacement fails in the long run, as it allows unvaccinated and unsterilised dogs to move into vacated areas, increasing public health risks. “It is neither practical nor humane to shelter or relocate all 10 lakh dogs in Delhi,” he wrote.

Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor, co-stars of Bawaal, echoed similar sentiments in Instagram Stories, calling the ruling a “death sentence for all dogs.” Their shared post read: “They call it a menace. We call it a heartbeat. Today, the Supreme Court says — take every stray dog off the streets of Delhi-NCR and lock them away. No sunlight. No freedom. No familiar faces greet every morning.”

Comedian-actor Vir Das also joined the cause, urging Delhi residents to adopt indie dogs. Sharing a photo of his own adopted pets, he wrote, “If you’re a resident of Delhi, can I persuade you to adopt an indie off the streets? They’re healthy, low maintenance, and full of love.” He encouraged people to support animal welfare NGOs as legal appeals proceed.

Actor Sanya Malhotra posted a heartfelt Instagram story, describing community dogs as “the ones who wait outside your tea stall for a biscuit” and “silent nightguards for shopkeepers.” While acknowledging safety concerns, she insisted that caging all dogs was not the solution. “The real fix? Large-scale sterilisation, vaccination drives, feeding zones, and adoption campaigns,” she wrote.

Under the Supreme Court’s directive, civic bodies in Delhi-NCR—including Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad—must set up a 5,000-capacity dog shelter within six to eight weeks. These shelters are to be equipped with vaccination and sterilisation facilities, CCTV monitoring, and a helpline to report dog bite cases.

Despite the court’s stated public safety intent, the ruling has ignited a passionate debate over animal rights and urban coexistence, with celebrities and activists calling for humane, law-backed solutions over mass displacement.