On August 12, 2025, the iconic India Gate in New Delhi became the stage for a heated protest by animal rights activists. The demonstration, sparked by a Supreme Court order mandating the relocation of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR, turned chaotic when police detained over 24 protesters. A viral video of a female officer slapping a woman activist inside a bus has since ignited widespread debate. This incident underscores a deeper conflict—balancing public safety with animal welfare. Here’s a closer look at the unfolding drama, its implications, and the polarized reactions it has triggered.
Dog Lovers Vs Female Cops
— NCMIndia Council For Men Affairs (@NCMIndiaa) August 13, 2025
Male Cops are calmly recording the video.
Everyone did their job quite well. pic.twitter.com/6CDWCdLU3m
The Supreme Court’s Controversial Order
The Supreme Court’s directive, issued to address Delhi’s alarming stray dog bite cases—around 2,000 daily—requires relocating an estimated 10 lakh stray dogs to shelters within eight weeks. The decision stems from growing public safety concerns, including fatal dog attacks on children in 2024 and rising rabies cases. While the court aims to protect citizens, animal rights groups argue the order is impractical and inhumane. Delhi’s shelter capacity, currently limited to 5,000 dogs, falls drastically short, raising fears of overcrowding, starvation, and disease outbreaks.
Activists, including organizations like PETA India, point out that the order contradicts the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, which emphasize sterilizing and vaccinating strays before returning them to their territories. Prominent animal rights advocate Maneka Gandhi has called the relocation plan financially unfeasible, estimating costs at a staggering Rs 15,000 crore. For many, this ruling feels like a knee-jerk reaction that overlooks the welfare of the very animals it claims to manage.
The Protest at India Gate
On the eve of Independence Day, animal rights activists gathered at India Gate to voice their dissent. Their message was clear: stray dogs deserve compassion, not displacement. However, with heightened security measures in place and prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) near Parliament, the Delhi Police moved swiftly to detain the protesters. The situation escalated when a female officer was caught on camera slapping a woman activist inside a bus, a moment that quickly went viral on social media platforms like X.
The video has polarized public opinion. Some condemn the police for using excessive force, arguing that peaceful protests deserve respect. Others defend the authorities, citing the need for strict measures in a high-security zone during a sensitive time. This clash at India Gate has become a flashpoint, highlighting not just the stray dog issue but also broader questions about protest rights and police conduct.