Actor John Abraham has penned a heartfelt letter to Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, urging a reconsideration of the Supreme Court’s recent directive mandating the removal of stray dogs from Delhi’s streets to shelters and distant areas. Calling the order “impractical” and “inhumane,” the 52-year-old stressed that these animals are “community dogs,” deeply connected to the city and cherished by many residents.

In his letter, Abraham pointed out that guidelines under the World Health Organisation and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Dog Rules, 2023, require sterilisation, vaccination, and return of dogs to their original territories. He warned against the “vacuum effect,” which could increase public health hazards if the city’s estimated 19 lakh community dogs are displaced.

The Tehran star called for compassion-driven, scientifically informed, and legally compliant solutions to manage the canine population.

The Supreme Court’s August 11 order directed authorities in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad to remove stray dogs from public spaces and house them permanently in shelters. The ruling has since stirred widespread debate, with several film personalities—including Janhvi Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Vir Das, Adivi Sesh, and Siddharth Anand—voicing their concerns and appealing for a rethink.