What Is PETA? Can It Influence Indian Court’s Decisions On Stray Dogs? Explained In 5 Points

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People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India said the forced removal of Delhi’s community dogs, estimated at around 10 lakh, would create “chaos and suffering” for both the animals and residents. “Displacement and jailing of dogs has never worked,” said Dr Mini Aravindan, senior director of veterinary affairs at PETA India. She said the government should instead strengthen sterilisation and vaccination programmes, close illegal pet shops and breeders, and encourage adoption.

2. While the group has no formal authority over India’s legal system, it often files petitions, submits amicus briefs, and launches media campaigns aimed at shaping public opinion and judicial attitudes.

ALSO READ: Delhi Police Detains Activists, Dog Rescuers Protesting Supreme Court’s Stray Dog Relocation Order At India Gate, PETA Criticises Directive

3. Legal experts note that Indian courts remain independent in their rulings, basing judgments on constitutional provisions, domestic law, and precedent.

4. However, NGOs like PETA can, and often do, influence proceedings by participating in public interest litigation (PIL) and leveraging media to amplify their stance.

5. “While PETA cannot dictate court decisions, it can shape the narrative and push for animal-friendly interpretations of existing laws,” said a senior legal analyst.

Why is there a major uproar over the Supreme Court judgment on stray dogs?

The Supreme Court on Monday directed Delhi-NCR authorities to permanently relocate all strays from streets to shelters “at the earliest”. While issuing a series of directions to address the growing menace of dog bite incidents, the Supreme Court warned that strict action would be taken against any individual or organisation obstructing the authorities from picking up stray dogs.

Here’s breakdown of Indian Supreme Court judegement on stray dogs

  1. SC asks civic authorities of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad to start removing dogs from all localities at the earliest.
  2. SC directs the Delhi government and civic bodies to immediately create dog shelters and report to it on the creation of such infrastructure within eight weeks.
  3. SC says dog shelters should have sufficient personnel to sterilise and immunise strays.
  4. SC orders stray dogs to be detained in shelters and not to be released on streets, colonies or public spaces.
  5. SC says dog shelter would be monitored by CCTVs to ensure no dogs are released or taken out.
  6. SC calls it “progressive exercise”,asks Delhi authorities to start creating dog shelters for around 5,000 canines in the next six to eight weeks.
  7. There should not be any compromise in undertaking this exercise, says SC.
  8. SC warns of strict action against individuals or organisations if they come in the way of thepicking up of stray dogs, says it may proceed to initiate contempt action.
  9. SC says infants and young children should not, at any cost, fall prey to dog bites leading to rabies.
  10. SC directs authorities to maintain a record of strays captured and housed in shelter homes.
  11. SC directs authorities to create a helpline to register dog bite complaints within a week.
  12. SC asks authorities to inform dog bite victims of medical facilities for immediate aid.

(With inputs from agencies)

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