Supreme Court ruling ignites stray dog debate in Jaipur

The Supreme Court has reaffirmed its November 2025 directives concerning the removal and rehabilitation of stray dogs from public spaces, prompting significant concern among animal welfare advocates and feeders in Jaipur. The apex court dismissed petitions challenging these guidelines, emphasizing that the right to live with dignity includes freedom from aggressive dogs and permitting euthanasia for rabid animals in accordance with the law. Jaipur's current infrastructure for managing stray animals is notably limited, featuring only one facility in Jaisinghpura Khor primarily for sterilization, which can house approximately 100 dogs and lacks long-term rehabilitation capabilities.

Animal welfare organizations argue that relocating dogs without establishing permanent shelters will merely shift the issue. The Rajasthan government's compliance affidavit, submitted on January 6, detailed preventive measures across thousands of state institutions and public transport hubs. For Jaipur, the affidavit noted 27,858 dogs sterilized and 34,672 treated for rabies, although no specific timeline was provided. The judgment has also intensified disputes at designated feeding points, with feeders reporting increased hostility from residents, exemplified by a recent confrontation in Malviya Nagar.