New Delhi

Senior BJP leader Vijay Goel on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court’s recent order on stray dogs, calling it a significant step toward ensuring public safety and urging resident welfare associations (RWAs) across the country to push state governments for its effective implementation.

Reacting to the apex court’s observations that the right to live with dignity includes the freedom to move around without fear of dog attacks, the former Union minister said the judgment acknowledged the concerns of ordinary citizens who have long faced the menace of stray dog attacks.

Goel, who has been actively campaigning against the stray dog problem in Delhi for several years, alleged that a “small group of so-called dog lovers and feeders” often intimidated residents by filing police complaints whenever people protested against attacks by stray canines.

However, he expressed doubts over whether the court’s order would immediately improve the situation on the ground.

“Despite the order, there may still be laxity because the administrative system itself remains weak,” Goel told PTI, pointing out that Delhi still lacks adequate dog shelters and proper coordination mechanisms to address the issue.

He said no serious consultations had yet been held with residents and feeding zones for stray dogs had still not been identified.

According to Goel, he has already written to the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) seeking urgent action on the matter.

He urged RWAs nationwide to support the Supreme Court’s directive and ensure that local authorities act on it effectively.

The BJP leader also claimed that the stray dog issue had become so severe that the court was compelled to consider euthanasia of rabid and dangerous dogs as a possible solution in extreme cases.

Referring to frequent incidents involving children and elderly citizens, Goel said many people now avoid visiting parks and public spaces due to fear of attacks.

He also welcomed the court’s warning that strict action would be taken against those obstructing implementation of its directions.

Goel further alleged that sterilisation figures submitted by authorities in courts were exaggerated, questioning why stray dog numbers remained high despite official claims.

“The organisations claiming to be dog lovers should now allow people to live without fear,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court dismissed petitions seeking a review of its previous order concerning relocation and sterilisation of stray dogs. A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N. V. Anjaria observed that courts could not ignore the increasing incidents of dog attacks involving children, senior citizens and even international visitors.

The apex court also directed states, Union Territories and civic authorities to strengthen infrastructure related to stray dog management.

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In an earlier order passed on November 7 last year, the court had directed that stray dogs picked up from public places should be relocated to designated shelters after sterilisation and vaccination instead of being released back to the same locations.