Legendary cricketer Kapil Dev has appealed to Delhi authorities to ensure stray dogs get a “better life” in the wake of a contentious Supreme Court order directing their transfer from public spaces to shelter homes. The August 11 order, issued by a two-judge bench, triggered protests from animal rights activists, who raised concerns over its implementation and welfare implications.
In a video message for animal welfare group Petfamilia, the 1983 World Cup-winning skipper said:
“I know a lot of things are being said about the dogs. But, as a citizen, I feel they are the most beautiful creatures. So I request the authorities to look into them and give them a better life and don’t throw them out.”
The controversy deepened after reports emerged that some local bodies had begun picking up dogs even before the court’s directive became public. Another bench, comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice NV Anjaria, questioned the premature action and criticised authorities for failing to enforce existing animal control guidelines.
Appearing for the Delhi government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta highlighted the public safety dimension, citing 37 lakh dog bite cases in India last year, including incidents involving children that resulted in rabies deaths. He argued that sterilisation alone cannot prevent rabies and said:
“No one hates animals… Dogs do not have to be killed; they have to be separated. Parents cannot send their children out to play. Young girls are mutilated. The solution is not in the rules — the court has to intervene.”
The matter has sparked a broader debate balancing public safety with animal welfare, with both legal and civic stakeholders now awaiting the Supreme Court’s next steps.
