Television actor Rupali Ganguly, best known for her role in Anupamaa, has voiced her disagreement with the Supreme Court’s recent order directing that all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR be picked up within eight weeks and moved to shelters. In a post on X, she said that stray dogs are not outsiders but part of the country’s faith, culture, and safety. She urged for vaccination, feeding, and care for strays instead of removal from their localities.
Rupali wrote that dogs have been part of Indian traditions, guarding Bhairav Baba’s temple and protecting communities from thieves. She likened the removal of stray dogs to silencing an alarm before a fire, arguing that it would remove vital protectors before real dangers arise. She stressed that caring for them where they belong is the real kindness.
Her post sparked a mixed response online. One user questioned her advocacy for stray dogs, pointing out that she is a non-vegetarian and suggesting that love for animals should extend to all species. The user also criticised animal rights supporters for not doing enough to tackle issues like dog bites and rabies cases.
Rupali responded by clarifying that she is a proud vegetarian, owns only Indian breeds, and feeds homeless animals daily. She added that the animals she feeds are vaccinated and sterilized and that she supports animal shelters and gaushalas across India.
She also shared that her child has grown up around stray dogs, many of whom have protected him. She concluded that the earth belongs to all living beings and that animals understand love and kindness better than humans.
