Janhvi Kapoor, Varun Dhawan Oppose Supreme Court Order on Stray Dogs in Delhi-NCR

The Supreme Court’s recent directive to remove stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets within eight weeks has sparked a nationwide conversation, with strong objections from animal lovers, activists, and celebrities, including Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan. The court instructed municipal bodies to coordinate in building dog shelters to house the canines permanently, citing public safety concerns—particularly for children—after a rise in reported dog bite cases. Authorities have been warned that action will be taken against individuals or groups opposing the decision.

Janhvi Kapoor, who is known to be a devoted pet parent, reacted by reposting a petition on Instagram that strongly criticised the move. The statement she shared described stray dogs as integral to urban life, highlighting their loyalty and presence as silent guardians for shopkeepers, companions for tea stall customers, and cheerful greeters for schoolchildren. It argued that isolating them in shelters strips them of freedom and familiar surroundings.

The petition called for humane, long-term solutions: large-scale sterilisation to control population, regular vaccinations for public safety, designated community feeding zones, and adoption drives. It warned that removing strays entirely was “not a solution, but an erasure,” and questioned society’s moral direction: “Today it’s the dogs. Tomorrow… who will it be?”

Varun Dhawan also reshared the petition, showing his agreement. During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta defended the order, stressing that “we can’t sacrifice our children merely because some individuals feel they are animal lovers.” The debate now sits at the crossroads of public safety, animal rights, and humane policymaking, with growing calls for a balanced approach.