Former Union Minister Vijay Goel on Thursday welcomed the Supreme Court’s order directing the removal of stray dogs from public places, describing it as a “big and historic decision.”
Goel said Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) across Delhi had “heaved a sigh of relief” after the order, as they now expect gradual removal of stray dogs from public areas.
The Supreme Court, in its directive, has asked authorities to remove stray dogs from sensitive locations such as hospitals, educational institutions, bus depots, railway stations and sports complexes.
These dogs, after sterilisation and vaccination, will be shifted to shelter homes instead of being released back into the same localities.
Calling the move balanced and humane, Goel said the Court’s approach was “phased and practical.”
“In the first phase,” he said, “the Court had directed that dogs should only be fed at designated places and aggressive dogs should be confined in enclosures. In the second phase, the Court has now gone a step further by ordering their removal from key public areas.”
Goel said the decision would make cities safer and more orderly. “This verdict will protect children, senior citizens, and commuters who live in fear of dog attacks,” he said. Citing recent incidents, Goel recalled how India’s image had taken a hit internationally after two foreign coaches were bitten by stray dogs at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi.
“Such incidents hurt our reputation as a global sporting and tourism destination,” he said.
Goel also urged authorities to extend the removal drive to residential colonies, parks, tourist sites, airports, court premises, and other public spaces. “The problem is not limited to roads and stadiums. RWAs and citizens have long complained about safety risks in housing complexes and public parks,” he said.
The former minister said his organisation, Lok Abhiyan, had been campaigning for two years for strict control of stray dog populations.
The group has held multiple meetings with RWAs, civic authorities, and citizens to press for safe and humane management of strays.
“Today’s Supreme Court order has validated our movement,” Goel said.
“We are not against dogs, we are against dog bites and the uncontrolled population on the streets.”
He appealed to dog lovers to adopt stray animals or feed them in designated shelter homes instead of public spaces.
“That way, we can have both safety and compassion,” he said. Goel described the ruling as a turning point in urban governance and animal welfare policy. “This is just the beginning,” he said.
“The next step should be a ‘No Dog on Street Policy’ for India, just like in developed countries.”
Officials said the implementation plan will involve coordination between civic bodies, animal welfare departments and registered NGOs to ensure safe transfer and care of the dogs.
