BJP leader and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi called for the establishment of stronger Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres following a Supreme Court ruling.
The demand comes as India struggles to balance public safety with animal welfare. The court's refusal to alter its existing directives on stray dogs increases the pressure on local governments to implement humane population control measures rather than relying on removal.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court refused to modify its directions regarding the removal of stray dogs from public institutions [1]. This decision upholds an original order from November 2025 [2]. Gandhi said the court has simply stated that they will no longer entertain any further hearings on the matter [3].
In response to the ruling, Gandhi urged the government to focus on the quality and implementation of sterilization and shelter norms. She said, "We need robust Animal Birth Control centres that are built properly and function effectively" [4].
The activist argued that properly functioning ABC centres are the only sustainable alternative to the removal of animals from public spaces. Without a standardized and effective infrastructure for sterilization, the removal of dogs remains a contentious and potentially inhumane process.
Regarding the legal options for those dissatisfied with the ruling, it was noted that grievances could be filed in 36 High Courts [5]. This provides a legal avenue for parties to challenge the implementation of the removal orders at a regional level.
Gandhi's call for an overhaul emphasizes the need for facilities that meet strict medical and shelter norms to ensure that sterilization programs actually reduce the stray population over time.
“We need robust Animal Birth Control centres that are built properly and function effectively.”
The Supreme Court's refusal to reopen hearings on stray dog removal effectively closes the door on national-level judicial relief for animal rights advocates. By directing aggrieved parties to 36 different High Courts, the legal battle shifts from a centralized policy debate to a fragmented series of regional disputes. This puts the onus on the executive branch to build the infrastructure Gandhi is requesting, as the judicial system is no longer providing a buffer against the November 2025 removal order.
