Chennai, Aug 17 (NationPress) A group of animal enthusiasts and rights defenders organized a protest rally in Egmore, Chennai, on Sunday, voicing their dissent against the Supreme Court's ruling to relocate all stray dogs in the Delhi-NCR region to shelters within eight weeks.

The march commenced at Rajarathinam Stadium and culminated near a private hotel, with participants parading alongside their pet dogs and holding placards, calling for the withdrawal of the order. They chanted against what they labeled an “inhumane” decision, urging the Delhi government to refrain from enforcing the directive. Protesters contended that relocating approximately 1 million stray dogs to shelters would constitute cruelty and strip the animals of their natural environment.

“The court views stray dogs as a nuisance rather than acknowledging them as integral members of our shared ecosystem,” one activist stated to reporters.

The Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognizance of the troubling increase in dog-bite incidents, including the recent fatal attack on a six-year-old child in Delhi by a stray dog. During the hearings, the court noted the necessity for swift action and mandated sterilization along with the relocation of the dogs to shelters.

However, the demonstrators on Sunday emphasized that the resolution lies not in confinement but in scientific sterilization initiatives, community education, and stricter enforcement of pet ownership regulations. They reasoned that mass relocation would exacerbate the issue by overwhelming resources and distancing the animals from the communities that often look after and feed them.

Placards brandished by protestors highlighted slogans such as “Shelters are not homes” and “Strays are community responsibility, not criminals.” Many participants expressed that the directive disregarded the emotional connections citizens share with community dogs, cautioning that its implementation could provoke greater public discontent than relief.

The activists urged the authorities to embrace a compassionate approach that harmonizes public safety with animal welfare. They called for the Supreme Court to promptly rescind its relocation order and instead direct governments to enhance sterilization and vaccination initiatives.

“The solution is not to confine them but to responsibly and compassionately manage their population,” a protestor remarked, adding that India should lead with empathy in tackling its stray dog dilemma. The rally concluded without incident, yet organizers committed to continuing their advocacy until the court re-evaluates its decision.