Opinion After SC order, finding homes for our indie dog friends

The dogs are to be taken to shelters, with no prospect of being returned to their home territories. A brief spark of hope is raised by the mention of CCTV, only to be swiftly extinguished — security cameras are to be placed not to ensure the welfare of the dogs, but “to ensure that no dogs are released”.

Rabies is a fatal disease for humans, but it is also terrible for the afflicted dogs. But this situation could have been avoided had the authorities done their due diligence on the ABC and vaccination programmes, as prescribed by previous court rulings.

The state does not have the capacity to implement the ruling — there are just not enough shelters to house the large number of dogs to be incarcerated, let alone shelters that would allow them to lead healthy and happy lives. Dogs are territorial; dumping them together in crowded spaces will result in injury, disease and death. Dogs have lived with humans for millennia as protectors and playmates. If hazardous health and safety conditions in the shelters do not kill them, their grief will.

The world’s fourth-largest economy, with a hugely successful Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), can surely find the resources and technical solutions to care for the bezubaan (voiceless) denizens of Delhi and beyond. The first step towards finding a solution may be a proper counting and tagging of dogs in Delhi NCR, and the administration of vaccines and medical treatment. The pashu aadhaar technology, currently used in many parts of the country for livestock, can be suitably modified for stray dogs. If successful in Delhi, it can be implemented nationwide and perhaps in many countries in the Global South.

PM Narendra Modi has reminded us of the pride that we should feel for our “desi”/ Indie breeds. Each of us can do our part in recognising our guardians. Let us adopt, not shop (for foreign breeds, often bred under cruel conditions), whenever possible. When the state fails, we can still — as communities — work together for the health and safety of our best friends.

India’s theme for its G20 presidency was vasudhaiva kutumbakam — the entire Earth is one family. Through its attention to planetary rights and the concept of LiFE (lifestyle for the environment), India has garnered global influence. The SC ruling on street dogs could undermine India’s credibility.

Narlikar is distinguished fellow at the Observer Research Foundation and honorary fellow of Darwin College, University of Cambridge. Sachdeva is professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University