Future Existence of Stray Dogs…!

Stray Dogs, Justice, and Co-Existence: A Lesson Beyond the Courtroom

By Dr. Sunil S Rana, 
Founder & President, 
ABC Foundation

When a Supreme Court judge speaks, the nation listens. But when Justice Vikram Nath recently addressed a regional conference on human–wildlife conflict and co-existence, his words carried a warmth and wit that transcended the walls of the judiciary. He candidly remarked that while he was once known only in legal circles for “the little work” he does, the stray dog case has now made him a figure recognized not only in India but across the globe.

And rightly so; because this debate touches a raw nerve in society: the future existence of stray dogs in our cities and villages.

The Legal Turn: From Shelters to Streets

A few weeks ago, a two-judge bench had directed that stray dogs in Delhi-NCR should remain confined in shelters after sterilisation. But in a significant shift, the three-judge bench led by Justice Nath stayed this order. Instead, it ruled that after vaccination and sterilisation, strays should be released back into the same locality from where they were picked up.

This ruling re-emphasises an important principle: stray dogs are not intruders to be banished from society; they are part of our shared ecological space.

Justice Nath’s Light-Hearted Honesty

What struck many was not just the verdict but Justice Nath’s humility. Speaking on a lighter note, he expressed gratitude-ironically; to the dogs themselves.

“I am thankful to the stray dogs for making me known to the entire civil society, not only in this country but also the world over. Apart from dog lovers, even dogs are giving me blessings and good wishes.”

At a global summit, he was even asked questions on this very issue, a reminder that the world is watching India’s struggle with co-existence. His words may have been humorous, but they carried a deep truth: animals too are stakeholders in our moral and constitutional duties.

Stray Dogs: Problem or Responsibility?

The debate over stray dogs is often polarized. On one hand are dog lovers and animal rights activists who defend the lives of street animals. On the other, citizens troubled by rising incidents of dog bites and fear for their children’s safety.

The challenge lies not in eradicating stray dogs but in finding a sustainable balance between compassion and caution. Vaccination, sterilisation, and proper waste management are proven solutions- but implementation remains weak.

As an activist would argue: to treat stray dogs merely as a “problem” is to abdicate our responsibility as citizens. The law alone cannot resolve this; it requires collective civic participation and accountability.

The Constitutional Ethos of Co-Existence

Justice Nath rightly reminded us that humans have lived alongside nature and animals for centuries. It is only in the last few decades, with urbanisation and changing lifestyles, that the conflict has sharpened.

Our Constitution is not silent on this matter. Article 51A(g) makes it the fundamental duty of every citizen to have compassion for living creatures. This is not merely a moral appeal but a constitutional mandate.

To deny the existence of stray dogs altogether would be to deny the spirit of our Constitution and India’s civilisational ethos.

Beyond the Courtroom: A Path Forward

The verdict and Justice Nath’s reflections should compel us to reframe the debate:

• Stray dogs are not “outsiders” but fellow residents of our streets.
• The state must strengthen animal birth control programmes and ensure vaccination drives.
• Citizens must embrace responsible feeding practices—feeding without ensuring sterilisation only worsens the problem.
• Municipal bodies must adopt scientific waste management, as overflowing garbage fuels the stray population.

The solution lies neither in mass culling nor in romanticising stray life. It lies in co-existence based on responsibility, science, and compassion.

A Final Word:

Justice Vikram Nath may have joked about dogs giving him blessings, but in truth, his words echo the deeper wisdom of India’s civilisational ethos. In our traditions, animals have always been part of our households, our myths, and our streets.

The real question, then, is not whether stray dogs should exist, but how we, as a society, choose to live with them.

If we drift further from co-existence, we will deepen the conflict. But if we embrace compassion with responsibility, India can once again show the world that the measure of a civilization lies in how it treats its animals.

What are your thoughts on the stray dog debate? Should India accept them as part of its urban ecosystem, or should stricter measures be enforced for public safety?

- Dr Sunil S Rana