In a surprising turn of events, MCD has decided to withdraw its order of removing stray dogs
from the prominent streets of Delhi in preparation of the G20 Summit which is scheduled to be
held in New Delhi in the month of September. This comes after a controversial debate over the
removal of animals by activists in the country.
In an office order issued on 3rd of August, pick up of stray dogs from 47 prime locations,
particularly around luxury hotels, was scheduled with a new designated location at Animal Birth
Control (ABC) Centres for 6 weeks. Areas like Greater Kailash, Hauz Khaz, karol Bagh, Lajpat
Nagar, Malviya Nagar and Chandni Chowk are some of the prime locations to be visited by the
delegated from where the mass pick was scheduled for.
This month-long drive was aimed at making the streets of Delhi free of animals as an effort to present a more polished image of the country prior to the G20 Summit. According to an MCD official, this was aimed at reducing any inconvenience caused to the delegates during their travel to New Delhi. However, this sparked debates among various quarters of the society with the activists arguing about potential harm to the animals at their relocated destination for 6 weeks as the order had been released impulsively without keeping in mind its possible consequences.
On 4th of August, MCD issued another office order with a reduced stay of animals at the ABC
centers with just 1 week of stay at the relocated shelter. Pick up of animals was scheduled for September 4-7 with the help of NGOs and veterinary doctors, after which animals were certainly planned to be sent back to their original pick up spots. Similar relocation of street animals is executed during VIP movements around prime locations such as Rajghat, however they are only removed for 1-2 days after which they are safely dropped off.
On 5th of August, following massive petitions against the order, MCD decided to completely
withdraw the order after acknowledging the concerns raised by animal activists and animal
rights organizations.
Banishment of Animals and Squatters during Commonwealth 2010
A similar long term banishment of animals was planned prior to the commonwealth games.
However, it also saw the removal of beggars and squatters along with stray animals. According
to Friendocoes, stray dogs had been sent off to a sterilization centre at Ghazipur, with over 470
dogs being picked up from Games village.
Even though the government refused to take responsibility for the removal of beggars from key locations, no street vendors and beggars were visible during the duration of the games, raising serious questions about the accountability
of these underprivileged beings who were hidden from the eyes of the foreigners who were set
to visit India.
However, MCD’s withdrawal of the controversial order depicts a growing recognition for the
rights of animals which were blatantly ignored during the commonwealth games of 2010.
A Similar Beautification in Morocco Led to Mass Killing of Animals
In an attempt to beautify the coastal city of Tangir following the test event of FIFA Club World Cup
from February 1-11, dogs were being shot at or poisoned at the streets of Morocco which also included dogs who were fully vaccinated against rabies. Disturbing videos of collapsing animals were being circulated by NGOs and animal rights activists to awaken the citizens about the barbaric treatment of dogs and cats who had guarded their community for years. A resident from the city explained her horrifying experience of encountering one such brutal killing in broad daylight, mentioning that the killed animals were so many in numbers that they could be stuffed into her small apartment.
