Punjabi singer and actor Mika Singh has made an emotional appeal to the Supreme Court of India amid the ongoing legal debate on stray dog management, pledging to donate 10 acres of land to support the care and welfare of street dogs.Taking to “Mika Singh humbly appeals to the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India to kindly consider refraining from any actions that may adversely affect the welfare of dogs,” he wrote, echoing widespread concern among animal lovers over a perceived judicial crackdown on street dogs.
“Fully prepared to donate 10 acres”
Reaffirming his long-standing support for animal rights, Mika made a public commitment to the cause by offering his land for dog welfare initiatives. “I respectfully submit that I have sufficient land at my disposal and am fully prepared to donate 10 acres exclusively for the care, shelter, and welfare of dogs,” he stated.The singer added that the land could be used to construct shelters and necessary facilities to ensure the animals’ safety, health, and well-being. However, he also highlighted the need for adequate manpower and infrastructure to care for the dogs effectively, underlining that land alone would not be enough without proper implementation.“My only request is support in terms of proper manpower and caretakers who can responsibly look after these animals. I am willing to provide the land for the construction of shelters and for all initiatives aimed at ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of dogs,” he concluded.
Supreme Court clarifies its stand
Mika’s appeal comes at a time when the Supreme Court’s deliberations on stray dog management have drawn nationwide attention. During a recent hearing, the apex court clarified that it had not ordered the blanket removal of street dogs, countering fears that had triggered public anxiety.A three-judge special bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria reassured citizens that the court’s focus remains on enforcing the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, which promote a scientific, humane, and sustainable approach to managing stray dog populations.
Emphasis on sterilization and vaccination
While acknowledging the rise in dog-bite incidents that has fueled public concern, the bench stressed that the solution lies in systematic sterilization and vaccination, followed by the return of dogs to their original territories. This method, the court noted, balances human safety with animal welfare. The judges also observed that the existing legal framework requires a comprehensive and well-coordinated strategy, pointing out that local authorities have largely failed to implement the ABC Rules effectively.
