Hundreds of Delhi residents gathered at Jantar Mantar on Sunday, voicing strong opposition to the Supreme Court's November 2025 order for the mass removal and confinement of stray dogs from public spaces in the capital. The protest, marked by the resonant sentiment "Awara nahi, humara hai" (Not stray, they are ours), was organized ahead of a crucial court hearing scheduled for January 7.
Artists Lend Their Voice to the Voiceless
The peaceful demonstration, spearheaded by the NGO India4Animals, saw prominent artists and activists join hands with local feeders and rescuers. Animal rights activist Ambika Shukla emphasized the grassroots nature of the gathering, stating that every person on stage was directly involved in caring for street animals, not there to perform but to speak from the heart.
Renowned singer Mohit Chauhan dedicated his latest song, 'Meri Awaaz', to street dogs, highlighting his daily routine of feeding 400 dogs. He expressed solidarity, saying, "We are one with the animals, and we have to be their voice." Music composer Shantanu Moitra moved the crowd with his hit 'Give Me Some Sunshine' and shared personal anecdotes from his time in Delhi, where street dogs provided a sense of security to women returning from work. He advocated for sterilization and returning dogs to their familiar territories to foster coexistence.
A Call for Coexistence and Compassion
The core message of the protest was a firm rejection of shelter confinement and a strong endorsement of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program. Protesters held placards and chanted slogans urging the court to "say yes to ABC and no to shelter." Ambika Shukla reflected the crowd's determination, noting that people were ready to lie in front of removal vans and face arrest to protect the dogs they care for.
Rahul Ram, bassist of the Indian Ocean band, called the Supreme Court order "unimplementable," citing the lack of an accurate count of Delhi's street dog population. He performed protest anthems like 'We Shall Overcome' to rally the crowd.
Gen Z Steps Up for Future Direction
The protest also saw significant participation from the younger generation. Vasudha Nagpal, a volunteer with the pan-India animal helpline Dhyan Foundation, highlighted the importance of Gen Z involvement in teaching compassion and protecting the weak. Ambika Shukla found their participation inspiring, stating that it gives direction to the country's future, reinforcing that protecting the weakest ensures safety for all.
Comedian Manu Abhishek poignantly summed up the protesters' role, acknowledging they were speaking on behalf of the dogs but believing the animals would express the same sentiments if they could.
The gathering at Jantar Mantar served as a powerful display of public sentiment, setting the stage for a pivotal legal battle over urban coexistence with stray animals in India's capital.
