Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, on August 12, 2025, criticized a Supreme Court order mandating the relocation of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelters within eight weeks. In a post on X, Gandhi called stray dogs "voiceless souls" who should not be treated as "problems to be erased" but as beings deserving compassion. He argued the ruling ignores humane solutions like sterilization and vaccination under the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023, and reflects a failure to address abandonment and neglect.PALAY® Straw Hat Sun Hats for Women,Wide Brim Cap Beach Hat for Women Stylish UV Protection Cap,Summer Packable Travel Sun Visor Hat - UPF 50+

The Supreme Court’s directive, issued on August 11, 2025, requires authorities like the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to establish shelters and maintain daily records of captured strays.

The order has faced backlash from animal rights activists, including Gauri Maulekhi, who called it impractical and legally flawed, and Maneka Gandhi, who labeled it a "strange judgment" due to the challenge of relocating around 10 lakh dogs. Protests in Delhi saw caregivers detained at India Gate, fearing dogs might be abandoned outside city limits, leading to suffering or death. Gandhi’s comments also tie into a broader controversy, as he faces an FIR in Jharsuguda, Odisha, under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for an unrelated statement made on January 15, 2025, alleged to challenge India’s integrity. also read:Madhugiri: Supporters of K.N. Rajanna Stage Dramatic Protest After His Forced Resignation from Karnataka Cabinet