Himachal: Supreme Court’s relief on stray dogs brings wave of happiness among dog lovers

Himachal Pradesh: Dog lovers in Dharamshala and surrounding areas have expressed happiness and relief following the Supreme Court of India’s revised directive that now allows stray dogs to be released after sterilisation, while feeding them on streets and public places will remain prohibited. The amendment replaces the August 11 directive that ordered all stray dogs from Delhi to be sent to enclosures and shelters – a move that was opposed by animal lovers across the country. Dharamshala, which has a large dog-loving Tibetan community and Gorkhas who respect dogs, has wholeheartedly welcomed the decision. Rohit Samuel from Kangra, an avid dog lover, said, “Dogs live in our society in a completely harmonious way. Feeding them is considered auspicious, but the most important thing is sterilisation, especially since rabies cases have already come down.” Along with thousands of animal welfare advocates from across the country, local activist and Kranti Sanstha president Dheeraj Mahajan celebrated the decision by offering prayers at the Aghanjar Mahadev temple, where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Pashupatinath. His organisation has long been caring for stray dogs in the region. Mahajan also recently submitted a memorandum to the President of India through the Kangra Deputy Commissioner, seeking relief for stray dogs, whom he described as “man’s best friend”. With over 14,000 stray dogs in Kangra district, experts are stressing the urgent need for their sterilisation and vaccination rather than confinement. Acknowledging the concerns over dog bites, Mahajan urged a humane and informed approach, including rabies awareness campaigns, higher taxes on foreign-bred dogs, incentives for adopting native Indian dogs and better shelter conditions.