Delhi dog shelter faces cruelty allegations as activists protest poor conditions
1. What Sparked the Protest?
Delhi Dog Shelter Faces Cruelty Allegations – Late Friday night, a wave of anger and concern swept through Rohini Sector 27 in Delhi. Around 150 people, locals, dog lovers, and animal activists, gathered outside the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s (MCD) Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre. Their reason? Alleged cruelty towards stray dogs kept inside the shelter.
The protest began after activists claimed they found dog bones and skulls near the shelter. Videos quickly spread online, showing disturbing images and people demanding entry to inspect the facility. Some protestors said they saw puppies inside, something that’s illegal under sterilization rules. Others described dogs in poor health, overcrowded cages, and unsanitary conditions.
The protest lasted until 4 AM, with police using lathis (batons) to control the crowd. Some activists were detained, but no formal charges were filed. The MCD denied all allegations, calling them “rumours” and saying the bones may have come from nearby areas, not the shelter itself.
2. What Activists Found Inside
After hours of protest, police allowed small groups of activists to enter the shelter. What they saw shocked them.
- Unsanitary Conditions: Activists reported faeces on the floor, organs left in the open, and a strong smell inside the building.
- Weak and Injured Dogs: Many dogs appeared lethargic, wounded, and starving. Some had visible bones through their skin.
- Puppies in Cages: Puppies were found inside, even though sterilization rules prohibit their capture.
- Unclean Equipment: The autoclave (used for sterilizing surgical tools) hadn’t been used in a long time, according to one activist.
- No Proper Tagging: Around 70% of the dogs had no identification tags, making it hard to track their health or treatment.
One activist, Asher Jesudoss, said they found a half-dead dog lying in a washroom with an e-collar. Another, Supriya Sharma, said the food provided was just rice and water, with no proper nutrition.
3. What the Authorities Say
The MCD and police have strongly denied the claims. According to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer North), Hareshwar V. Swami, no violations were found inside the shelter. He said the protestors were trying to force entry and were removed peacefully. No medical reports of injuries were filed, and no legal action was taken.
The shelter’s doctor said that 113 dogs were housed at the centre, and 47 had already been released. Officials also claimed that the dogs were healthy and receiving proper care.
However, activists argue that the shelter cleaned up just before their entry and that the real conditions were hidden. They are now demanding a full audit of the facility and stricter monitoring of all ABC centres in Delhi.
4. Supreme Court’s New Order and What It Means
The protest came just hours after the Supreme Court revised its earlier order on stray dogs. The new directive says:
- Stray dogs must be captured, sterilized, vaccinated, and then released back to their original locations.
- Only aggressive or rabid dogs should be kept in shelters.
- Public feeding of stray dogs is banned, but designated feeding zones must be created in every neighbourhood.
This order aims to balance public safety with animal welfare. But activists say shelters like the one in Rohini are not following these rules. They fear that dogs are being mistreated or even killed instead of being cared for and released.
The Supreme Court has also asked for a national policy on stray dogs and directed all states and union territories to submit their inputs. This could lead to major changes in how India handles its stray dog population.
Final Thoughts
The protest at the Rohini dog shelter has raised serious questions about how stray animals are treated in Delhi. While officials deny wrongdoing, the images and testimonies from activists paint a troubling picture.
As India moves toward stricter rules for stray dog management, it’s important that shelters follow humane practices and remain transparent. Animal welfare is not just about laws, it’s about compassion, responsibility, and respect for life.
If you care about animals, stay informed, speak up, and support organizations that work for their protection. Because every dog deserves dignity and every voice can make a difference.
Also read – New Stray Dog Policy: Supreme Court Humane Order, Government Action & Citizen Role
Stay informed with the latest news and updates – only on Rapido Updates.