Rupali Ganguly & Rajan Shahi strongly oppose SC's order of relocating street dogs in Delhi: 'They've grown..'

On August 11, 2025, the Supreme Court of India ordered civic bodies in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad to capture and relocate all stray dogs to government-run shelters. The order was issued in response to a surge in dog bite cases across the National Capital Region, reportedly numbering over 2,000 daily in Delhi alone. The court gave authorities 6 to 8 weeks to implement the order and warned of strict penal action against those obstructing the process.

Importantly, the directive bypasses the 2023 Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, which mandate that sterilized and vaccinated dogs be returned to their original territories. The move has been described by legal experts and activists as a violation of existing animal welfare laws and a potentially dangerous precedent.

Rupali Ganguly, beloved for her role as Anupamaa on Indian television, and Rajan Shahi, one of the industry’s most respected producers behind shows like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Anupamaa, have voiced strong opposition to a recent Supreme Court directive calling for the removal of stray dogs from Delhi’s streets. Their statements join a growing chorus of public figures and animal welfare organizations raising ethical, cultural, and logistical concerns over the move.

In a powerful social media story, Rupali Ganguly expressed both cultural reverence and practical concern for the dogs: They’ve grown up on our streets, guarding shops, waiting outside our doors, barking away thieves. If we remove them now, we risk losing our protectors before the real dangers arrive, like silencing an alarm before a fire. Sending them to far-off shelters isn’t kindness, it’s exile. Stray dogs aren’t outsiders; they’re part of our faith, our culture, our safety. Care for them, vaccinate them, feed them and let them live where they belong. She also pointed out how dogs are deeply ingrained in Indian spiritual traditions, especially in the worship of Bhairav Baba, where they are fed during Amavasya as a form of devotion.

Producer Rajan Shahi also took to social media, stating simply but firmly: With utmost respect… the Supreme Court order to remove stray dogs from the streets is not right. His brief but impactful message resonated widely, underlining the growing concern within the entertainment industry about the ethics and consequences of the court’s order.

Rupali and Rajan are not alone. Several prominent animal welfare groups and individuals have come out strongly against the court’s decision. Janhvi Kapoor, Varun Dhawan and other actors have voiced their opinions against the same.