As the Supreme Court prepares to announce its verdict on the stray dog issue in Delhi-NCR, the nation is witnessing a sharp divide between public safety concerns and animal rights advocacy.On one side, residents and welfare associations argue that dog-bite cases, rising rabies fears, and the “psychosis of fear” in neighborhoods have reached alarming levels. Critics point to past rulings that mandated vaccination and release of dogs in the same locality, saying such measures failed to address the menace. Some even argue strays should be relocated to forests, allowed to live in packs without endangering urban populations. “Every day, children and elderly are attacked. Fear itself is trauma,” one panelist remarked.On the other side, animal rights defenders insist strays are innocent beings who become aggressive only due to human abuse. They accuse media of highlighting bites but ignoring cruelty cases where dogs are beaten, burnt with firecrackers, or abandoned after accidents. “Dogs are gentle souls. Humans make them violent. Instead of removal, strict anti-abuse laws and awareness are needed,” an activist said, adding that many families treat strays as guardians.All eyes are now on the Supreme Court, whose ruling could redefine the balance between compassion for animals and safety for citizens.


