Protect their lives too, let compassion lead the way: Kapil Dev on Supreme Court’s statement on stray dogs

New Delhi: Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev has appealed to Delhi authorities to ensure a humane and dignified life for stray dogs in the wake of a recent Supreme Court directive ordering their relocation to shelter homes.

In a heartfelt video message shared by animal welfare group Petfamilia, the 1983 World Cup-winning skipper said, “I know a lot is being said about the dogs, but as a citizen, I believe they are the most beautiful creatures. I urge the authorities to care for them, give them a better life, and not simply cast them away.”

On August 11, 2025, India’s Supreme Court ruled that all stray dogs in Delhi and the surrounding NCR region must be captured, sterilised, vaccinated, and housed in shelters—with instructions that none should be returned to public spaces. The judgment emerged from mounting concerns over thousands of daily dog-bite cases and the persistent threat of rabies, particularly for children

The Court has set a tight eight-week deadline to build adequate shelter infrastructure and has warned of legal consequences for any obstruction

Kapil Dev—one of India’s most beloved cricket captains—has spoken out passionately, urging that public safety and animal welfare need not be at odds. “We cannot turn a blind eye to human suffering,” he said, “but we must also not extinguish the lives of creatures who have no voice of their own.” His appeal struck a deeply emotional chord, acknowledging the fear among citizens while calling for humane solutions.

“For too long, stray dogs have suffered—abandoned, misunderstood, and blamed,” Kapil Dev added. “These animals are part of our streets, our neighbourhoods, and our collective hearts. Let’s not throw them away but offer them a better life.” He called on authorities to expand shelters responsibly, invest in compassionate care, and enforce sterilization programs rather than blanket removals, urging empathy as the guiding principle in public policy.

Kapil Dev’s stance adds a human and humane dimension to a fraught and polarising issue—one that has ignited debate across India.

Supporters of the Supreme Court’s directive emphasize the urgent need to contain rabies, protect children, and restore public safety. Many believe the previous Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules—allowing sterilization and release—no longer serve the escalating threat.

Critics—including animal rights organizations and some legal experts—decry the decision as “inhumane,” “unscientific,” and dismissive of existing law and precedent. They argue the move undermines the ABC Rules, 2023, disrupts communities, and defies decades of legal consensus