In an interview with Bhawna Malik, senior Supreme Court lawyer A.P. Singh calls the apex court’s ruling on stray dogs a relief for dog lovers and residents alike, urging peaceful co-existence and collective responsibility
Interview with Senior Advocate A.P. Singh on Supreme Court’s Stray Dog Judgement
Qn: What are your reflections on the Court’s judgement on the stray dogs issue?
Singh: It is a balanced, creative, and constructive judgement. The Court has done justice to dog lovers, residents, animals, activists, and even the families who lost their children in dog attacks. Importantly, it has erased the divide between the so-called “rich man’s dog” and the “poor family’s dog.”
Qn: You mentioned a divide between rich and poor dogs. Can you elaborate?
Singh: A rich person’s dog travels in BMWs, gets regular medical care, and lives in comfort. But a dog belonging to a labourer or a poor family doesn’t enjoy these luxuries. Yet dogs, regardless of status, only crave love, not hierarchy. This ruling recognises that all animals must be treated with equal dignity. Implementation has always been the challenge.
Qn: Municipal authorities say they lack shelters and funds for sterilisation. How can this work?
Singh: This is not about MCD versus residents, or government versus animal lovers. Central government must step in with funds. NGOs, political leaders—many of whom are dog lovers like Rahul Gandhi and CM Rekha Gupta—and society at large should also contribute. People’s participation is key.
Qn: The judgement mandates feeding stray dogs only at designated spots. Is that realistic in crowded urban areas?
Singh: It is possible if RWAs, residents, and dog lovers work together. Vacant plots or small corners of parks can be designated. Animal lovers who protested earlier can also help fund and maintain these spaces. Having dogs in localities also improves security; we’ve seen it in many cases.
Qn: You often speak from a philosophical perspective. Is this only about your love for dogs?
Singh: It is about Sanatan philosophy, which teaches Vasudev Kutumbkam—the world is one family. This earth belongs to all beings. Peaceful coexistence is our duty.
Qn: But what about those who fear dogs?
Singh: The Court has said aggressive or infected dogs will not be released. We must also remember that humans have encroached on animal spaces, not the other way around. From police squads to bomb detection units, dogs have served and even sacrificed for this country. We should treat them with respect.
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