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Bollywood stars join outrage after top court orders round-up of stray dogs in Delhi
John Abraham has written to Chief Justice of India, while Vir Das has urged Delhiities to adopt indie dogs off the streets
- PUBLISHED: Wed 13 Aug 2025, 4:27 PM
The Supreme Court of India's recent order to move all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelters has sparked nationwide outrage, with animal lovers across the country protesting against the move. Several actors have joined in the protest, using their social media reach to post adoption appeals and voice their dissent.
On August 11, a bench of Justices Pardiwala and R Mahadevan ordered the Delhi-NCR to start removing stray dogs from all localities within eight weeks and house them in dedicated dog shelters to be set up by civic authorities. The order of the top court came on a suo motu proceeding initiated by it over a media report on the growing menace of stray dog attacks leading to rabies.
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Actor John Abraham has written to Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, urging him to review the order. In his letter, John wrote, "I hope you will agree that these are not 'strays' but community dogs — respected and loved by many, and very much Delhiites in their own right, having lived in the region as neighbours to humans for generations."
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"Delhi has an estimated 10 lakh dogs. It is neither practical nor humane to shelter or relocate them all, and removal only opens the door for unfamiliar, unsterilised, and unvaccinated dogs to move in, leading to greater competition, territorial disputes, and public health risks," he pointed out.
Actor-comic Vir Das took to Instagram on Monday evening, urging Delhiites to consider adopting an indie dog if they can. "If you are a resident of Delhi. Can I persuade you to adopt an indie off the streets, more than one? They are extremely healthy, low maintenance, and will provide you with more love, affection and gratitude than you could ever imagine.
"Am also asking you to wholeheartedly and generously Support your nearest animal welfare NGO. I plan on doing so, and I hope you will too. As appeals are filed in court and processes take their time, it's important for our humanity to kick in immediately," he posted.
Bhumi Pednekar narrated the story of how she had adopted an injured indie, Bruno, and helped nurse him back to health, who has been a source of joy for her family.
Actors Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan have also reacted, re-sharing a post that called the decision a "death sentence for all dogs".
"They call it a menace. We call it a heartbeat. Today, the Supreme Court says take every stray dog off the streets of Delhi-NCR and lock them away. No sunlight. No freedom. No familiar faces they greet every morning. But these aren't just 'stray dogs.' They are the ones who wait outside your tea stall for a biscuit. They are the silent night guards for shopkeepers. They are the tails wagging when children return from school. They are the warmth in a cold, uncaring city. Yes, there are problems bites, safety concerns-but caging an entire community of animals is not a solution; it's an erasure," read a part of the post.
Veteran actor Zeenat Aman asked for a "more humane, logical and science-backed approach to the issue."
"Disheartened by the recent news about stray dog "removal" in Delhi. I join animal lovers from across the world in asking for a more humane, logical, and science-backed approach to the issue," she wrote on her Instagram stories.
Sonakshi Sinha shared, "Day by day we expose how soulless we have become as a society. Every day is a disappointment."
Stars from other parts of the country joined in the protest, as well. Actor Kichcha Sudeepa said that while he does not want to question the court's decision, which "may have its reasons," he is worried about the "well-being" of the animals and how it will affect their lives.
Sudeepa shared that he has grown up around community dogs and his family has also adopted Indian breeds. He described the "love and loyalty" they bring into people's lives, adding that the dogs did not choose the streets, but humans can choose to give them a home. "We surely can be the voice for the voiceless. Kindly adopt," he said on X.
