The internet was divided over the Supreme Court's recent order on stray dogs in Delhi-NCR, which directs the authorities to permanently relocate all strays from streets to shelters "at the earliest".
Calling the stray dog menace extremely grim, SC ordered the Delhi government and civic bodies to start picking up stray dogs and keep them in shelters, warning of strict action against anyone obstructing the drive.
While many dog lovers and animal rights activists voiced out their discontent over the apex court order, the internet also saw people who lauded the ruling.
From people who are relieved to carry on with their morning walks without fear to opinions asking the directive to be implemented in other states as well, social media saw mixed reactions from the netizens. Many social media users heaved a sigh of relief over the SC order, considering the increase in stray dog attacks in the country.
"Why only in Delhi. This should be applied across India. It is scary to go for morning walks in Mumbai - there is 50+ dogs just in my area!" tweeted an X user.
Claiming that around 2000 dog bites were reported in Delhi alone, former Union minister Vijay Goel welcomed the order.
"I am happy that the Supreme Court has now paid attention to our demands. It has directed the Delhi government to shift stray dogs to shelter homes. The court has endorsed our demand for 'no dogs on streets' policy", Goel told reporters.
Criticising the SC order, dog lovers and animal support groups, too, voiced their disapproval in unison.
" You have three lakh dogs in Delhi. To get them all off the roads, you'll have to make 3,000 pounds, each with drainage, water, a shed, a kitchen, and a watchman. That will cost about Rs 15,000 crore. Does Delhi have Rs 15,000 crore for this?" asked Animal rights activist and former Union minister Maneka Gandhi.
The Delhi government has mentioned that it will follow the court's order, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta assuring that the government will soon come up with a policy and implement the order in a planned manner.
Also Read | Supreme Court’s big crackdown on stray dog menace ignites heated debate