On Sunday evening, animal lovers, feeders, and welfare activists gathered outside Cheluvamba Park in V.V. Mohalla, Mysuru, Karnataka, for a candlelight vigil. The protest was organized to express concern about the recent Supreme Court interim order that directs the removal of stray dogs from public spaces, including schools, hospitals, railway stations, and bus stands.
The event, called the “Pawsitive March”, brought together people from different groups who are concerned that the ruling could affect India’s community-dog system.
Why the Protest?
On November 7, the Supreme Court issued an interim directive for authorities to identify, capture, vaccinate, and relocate stray dogs from important public spaces. Activists are concerned that this approach does not follow the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, which use a sterilize-and-release method instead of removing dogs in large numbers.
Protesters say that the ABC model is the main method for managing stray dogs in India in a humane way. It helps keep the public safe and maintains ecological balance. Many are concerned that the new order could reverse progress made over the years.
Voices from the Ground
Speakers at the vigil highlighted multiple issues:
- Shelter Overload: Many shelters in different districts are already full. Moving large numbers of dogs without enough space or proper facilities can lead to poor and inhumane conditions.
- Ecological Impact: Community dogs help control rodent populations. If they are removed quickly, there may be an increase in rats, monkeys, and other pests in these areas.
- Violation of ABC Rules: The current rules do not allow permanent sheltering or impounding of community dogs. They stress sterilization, vaccination, and release back into their original territories.
- Incorrect Perception of ‘Stray Dogs’: Protesters said that many dog bite incidents involve owned pets that are left unsupervised, not community dogs. They asked for better categorization of dog-bite data.
Demand for Humane Alternatives
Organizers from People for Animals (PFA) Mysuru, along with independent rescuers and feeders, listed several main requests:
- A review of the Supreme Court’s interim order.
- Consultation with animal-welfare organizations before implementing any major policy change.
- Transparent data collection on dog-bite incidents.
- Strengthened vaccination and sterilization drives rather than relocation.
- Protection and recognition for community feeders who play a key role in maintaining dog behavior and reducing conflict.
The groups also said they plan to file a review petition to challenge the order.
A Community-Dog Culture at Stake
India has a long history with its free-roaming community dogs, often called “Indies.” Many neighborhoods feed and care for these dogs as part of their local environment. Activists are concerned that the current ruling could threaten this way of living together.
The vigil highlighted the importance of striking a balance between public safety and animal welfare and of not viewing stray-dog management as a zero-sum issue.
What Happens Next
Local administrations may soon start planning to follow the order. At the same time, animal-welfare groups in Karnataka and other states are preparing for legal protests, public awareness campaigns, and legal action.
For now, the candlelight vigil shows the community’s commitment to finding solutions that are both compassionate and based on science. The goal is to protect both people and the animals that live in their neighborhoods.
