Sharmila Tagore, Randeep Hooda Urge Humane Approach as Supreme Court Reviews Stray Dog Order

The Supreme Court’s directive to move all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelter homes has triggered public backlash, with citizens and celebrities calling for compassion and balance in addressing the issue.

Veteran actor Sharmila Tagore, in a rare public statement shared by NCP spokesperson Anish Gawande on X, called the decision “a crisis of conscience.” She said, “The recent Supreme Court decision is like a door closing on the voiceless and defenceless. I wish the safety and sanctity of life was at the heart of the judgement… In silencing those who cannot protect themselves, we risk losing something essential within ourselves.” She urged the government to adopt a nuanced, systemic approach to the so-called dog menace and to reconsider the order.

On 13 August, Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud agreed to review the Court’s ruling. Actor Randeep Hooda welcomed the move, tweeting that laws must be implemented “firstly, humanely” and backed by adequate infrastructure. While acknowledging stray dogs can pose risks, he opposed mass impounding as “neither viable nor humane,” instead advocating for large-scale neutering, targeted relocation of aggressive packs, and encouraging adoption.

Tagore was last seen in the Bengali drama Puratawn (April 2025), marking her return to Bengali cinema after 14 years. Hooda’s latest release is the action thriller Jaat, which premiered on 10 April.