Congress MP Karti Chidambaram has thrown his weight behind the Supreme Court’s recent order to relocate stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets to shelters, calling it a necessary response to India’s “failed” stray dog policies.

In a series of interviews to various news channels, the Lok Sabha MP from Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu, argued that the issue is a “health and safety problem” disproportionately affecting the poor, while urging a nationwide consensus on humane yet practical solutions.

“No Developed Country Has Stray Dogs Roaming Free”

Chidambaram emphasized that India’s 6-crore-strong stray dog population, the world’s largest, poses a dire public health threat, with rabies deaths and daily dog bites crippling marginalized communities. “No developed country has dogs in a free-roaming state on the streets. They must be collared, vaccinated, neutered, and housed in private spaces or shelters,” he told NewsX, dismissing the status quo as “unacceptable.”

The MP, who has raised the issue in Parliament and with the Prime Minister, noted that the Supreme Court’s “drastic” order was a reaction to systemic failures: “The Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules were well-meaning but doomed. Local bodies lacked funds, manpower, and shelters to sterilize or vaccinate dogs. The result? Exploding populations and zero accountability.”

“A Common Man’s Problem, Not An Elite One”

Chidambaram stressed that the crisis hits India’s poor hardest. “It affects people who walk to work, ride two-wheelers, and live without gated security – not those in cars or high-rises,” he said in an NDTV interview. Citing Tamil Nadu’s record 3.67 lakh dog bites this year alone, he added, “Every day, thousands are mauled. If you dispute my numbers, tell me: Are there days when dogs don’t bite?”

He slammed ministries for passing the buck: “Animal Husbandry doesn’t own the problem, Health only deals with rabies, and Wildlife won’t touch it. Local bodies are broke; they can’t even pay salaries, let alone fund ABC programs.”

“Shelters Needed, But 8 Weeks May Be Unrealistic”

While backing the SC’s intent, Chidambaram acknowledged logistical hurdles. “Delhi has 10 lakh strays. Building shelters in 8 weeks? The government must clarify if it’s feasible,” he said, suggesting phased alternatives like rapid sterilization drives. However, he defended the order’s role in sparking debate: “My speeches, articles, and PM meetings didn’t stir action. This judgment has. Now, all stakeholders, activists, officials, and victims, are talking.”

Clash Within Congress

The MP’s stance contrasts sharply with party colleague Rahul Gandhi, who termed the SC order a “step back from science-backed policy.” Chidambaram retorted: “The ABC policy was scientific, but unimplemented. Without resources, rules are just paper.” He urged critics to propose better solutions: “If activists have humane ideas, let them petition the Court. But free-roaming, unvaccinated dogs cannot be the norm.”

Road Ahead: Adoption & Accountability

Chidambaram called for mass adoption drives and stricter pet ownership laws. “Dogs deserve humane care—but in homes, not streets. Those who love them must adopt, not just feed them for 15 minutes a day,” he remarked, revealing he owns rescue dogs himself. He also pushed for a national task force: “We need funding, PPP models, and transparency. Shelters must meet ethical standards, not become death camps.”

Despite polarizing views, the MP hopes the SC order will force action. “For years, rabies deaths were ignored. Now, the debate is out in the open,” he told Puthiya Thalaimurai, adding, “We can’t aspire to be a global power with stray dogs and cattle on roads. The world will laugh at us.”

My brief interview to @PttvNewsX on the #StreetDog issue pic.twitter.com/RkShVurGcy

— Karti P Chidambaram (@KartiPC) August 13, 2025

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