John Abraham Appeals Chief Justice To Review Order On Stray Dogs In Delhi-NCR: Neither Practical Nor Humane To… | Bollywood

John Abraham Appeals Chief Justice To Review Order On Stray Dogs In Delhi-NCR: Neither Practical Nor Humane To…

The Supreme Court’s recent directive ordering the removal of all stray dogs from the streets of Delhi-NCR within eight weeks has sparked debate and concern. Actor and longtime animal rights advocate John Abraham has stepped in and has written an urgent appeal to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, Justice B.R. Gavai, urging the Court to reconsider what he calls a “misguided” and “inhumane” move.

John Abraham’s appeal to Cheif Justice of India

In his letter, John shared that these are not mere “strays,” but community dogs, deeply embedded in the city’s fabric and cherished by many locals. He wrote, “I hope you will agree that these are not ‘strays’ but community dogs, respected and loved by many, and very much Delhiites in their own right, having lived in the region as neighbours to humans for generations.”

He also pointed out that the new rule is in direct conflict with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, which mandate sterilisation and vaccination, not relocation, as the only lawful and scientifically effective method for managing stray dog populations.

“The ABC Rules prohibit the displacement of dogs, instead mandating their sterilisation, vaccination, and return to the very areas they inhabit,” he wrote, citing decades of both personal experience and global health guidelines, including WHO’s 1990 recommendation.

John Abraham shares info about successful models, says ‘It’s neither practical, nor humane to relocate them’

The Dhoom actor also gave a reference to successful sterilisation campaigns in Jaipur and Lucknow, where over 70% and 84% of dogs, have been sterilised. He pointed out how such programmes reduce aggression and rabies risk, and how community dogs play a vital role in keeping out unvaccinated newcomers, thereby maintaining public safety. John also stressed the practical limitations and ethical consequences of the Court’s ruling, pointing to Delhi’s estimated 10 lakh (1 million) street dogs.

“It is neither practical nor humane to shelter or relocate them all. Removal only opens the door for unfamiliar, unsterilised, and unvaccinated dogs to move in, leading to greater competition, territorial disputes, and increased public health risks,” he wrote.

John’s plea to review of modify the directive

As he concluded the plea, John appealed for a review and modification of the judgment in favour of a humane, science-backed solution.

“I respectfully request a review and modification of this judgment in favour of the lawful, humane, and effective ABC approach, which safeguards public health while honouring the constitutional values of compassion and coexistence, a stand the Supreme Court has consistently upheld since 2015.”

Supreme Court’s directive for stray dogs

The directive was issued by a bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, who ordered that all localities across Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, and Ghaziabad must be cleared of stray dogs. They further clarified that no captured animal should be released back onto the streets.

Janhvi, Varun, Vir Das condemn the order

The ruling has drawn strong criticism from many in the film and music industry. Celebrities including Janhvi Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Chinmayi Sripaada, Varun Grover, and Vir Das took to social media to condemn the order, calling it devoid of compassion and scientific basis.

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