Karnataka CM Criticizes Supreme Court's Directive on Stray Dogs

Controversy Over Stray Dog Management

The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, has expressed his disapproval of the notion of removing stray dogs, labeling it as 'cruelty' rather than governance. His remarks came in response to a directive from the Supreme Court instructing authorities in Delhi-NCR to relocate all stray dogs to permanent shelters as soon as possible.

The Supreme Court highlighted the serious risk of rabies from stray dog bites, particularly among children, describing it as a 'very serious' issue. On Tuesday, Siddaramaiah took to social media platform 'X' to state, 'Considering stray dogs as a nuisance and removing them is not governance but cruelty. A humane society seeks solutions that protect both people and animals.'

He further emphasized that methods such as sterilization, vaccination, and community care are effective. He argued that fear-driven measures only exacerbate suffering rather than enhance safety. This statement from the Chief Minister was a response to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's post, which criticized the Supreme Court's directive as a regressive step away from decades-old humane and scientifically supported policies. Gandhi described the complete removal of stray dogs as cruel, shortsighted, and lacking compassion.