In the wake of a recent Supreme Court directive ordering the removal of all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets and their relocation to shelters, actor and comedian Vir Das has stepped forward to advocate for the adoption of these animals. The court's decision, driven by concerns over rising cases of dog bites and rabies, has sparked a nationwide debate, pitting public safety advocates against animal welfare supporters.
On Monday, August 11, 2025, a bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan ruled that every locality should be cleared of stray dogs, emphasizing that no captured animal would be released back onto the streets. The court has directed civic authorities to capture all strays, sterilize and vaccinate them, and relocate them to newly built shelters within eight weeks, also mandating the installation of CCTV monitoring to prevent the animals' return to the streets. The ruling further stated that anyone obstructing the removal of stray dogs would face legal action.
Responding to the ruling, Vir Das took to Instagram to appeal to Delhi residents to adopt "indies" (Indian stray dogs). In his post, Das wrote, "If you are a resident of Delhi. Can I persuade you to adopt an indie off the streets, more than one? They are extremely healthy, low maintenance, and will provide you with more love, affection and gratitude than you could ever imagine". He also urged people to support local animal welfare NGOs, emphasizing the importance of immediate humanitarian action as appeals are filed in court. Das included a photo of his two adopted street dogs, reinforcing his message of compassion and responsibility.
The Supreme Court's order has elicited mixed reactions. Some welcome the move, believing it will make public spaces safer and reduce dog bite incidents. However, animal rights advocates and some politicians argue that the decision goes against animal welfare principles and disregards the emotional connections many communities have with stray dogs. Critics like the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have called the order "impractical, illogical, and illegal," arguing that it runs contrary to global public health guidance and humane practices.
Several celebrities, including Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, and John Abraham, have joined Vir Das in criticizing the Supreme Court's order. They have voiced their concerns on social media, with some calling the decision a "death sentence for all dogs". Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also spoken out against the ruling, stating that "blanket removals are cruel, short-sighted, and strip us of compassion".
The Supreme Court's directive follows reports indicating nearly 2,000 dog bite incidents daily in New Delhi. While many street dogs are harmless, the court described the number of dog bite incidents as "extremely grim," emphasizing the need to protect infants and young children. The court has also ordered a 24-hour helpline to report dog bites and directed officials to publicize locations where anti-rabies vaccines are available.
As the debate continues, Vir Das's appeal to adopt indie dogs highlights an alternative approach that prioritizes both animal welfare and public safety. By encouraging Delhiites to open their homes to these animals, he hopes to provide them with a safe and loving environment while also reducing the stray dog population on the streets.
