RSS chief calls for population control to address stray dog issue

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that the stray dog problem in Delhi-NCR should be resolved by regulating their population rather than shifting them to shelters, reported TOI. His remarks come days after the Supreme Court, on August 11, directed authorities in the region to permanently relocate all strays to shelters.

Speaking at a religious congregation at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Cuttack on Thursday, Bhagwat, who has a background in veterinary science, said, “All animals have the right to live. The problem can be solved only by regulating the population of street dogs, but it cannot be resolved by putting them in shelters.” He added, “Sheltering all street dogs is not a practical solution. The only effective way is to implement sterilisation and vaccination, as already prescribed in law.”

Call for balance with nature
Bhagwat also referred to traditional cattle-rearing practices, noting that while milking a cow, a portion is taken for human use and the rest is left for the calf. “This is the art of striking a balance between man and nature. Nature should be conserved by maintaining a balance between development and the environment,” TOI said.

Debate over SC directive
The Supreme Court’s August 11 order has triggered criticism from politicians, animal rights groups and scientists, who say the directive runs contrary to the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023. On Wednesday, Chief Justice of India B R Gavai reassigned the suo motu case to a larger three-judge bench led by Justice Vikram Nath, which began fresh hearings on Thursday.

(With inputs from TOI)