Civilisational Bonds Between Humans and Dogs

The Supreme Court’s Directive: A Turning Point in Public Safety and Animal Rights

The Supreme Court of India has recently passed a directive concerning stray dogs in Delhi-NCR. Taking up a suo motu case regarding the increasing incidents of dog bites, the apex court ordered the Delhi government and civic authorities to remove stray dogs from localities and house them in shelters. The directive clearly states that dogs should not be released back onto the streets once taken to shelters. The primary rationale behind this decision lies in “larger public interest,” with particular concern for infants and young children who are most vulnerable to dog bites and the fatal risk of rabies.

Authorities have been instructed to create large shelters with an initial capacity for nearly 5,000 dogs, staffed with adequate personnel for care, sterilization, and immunization. A dedicated helpline has also been proposed to report dog bite cases, with authorities expected to respond within hours and remove the dog in question.

This order, however, has sparked intense debate, as it conflicts with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, which mandate sterilization and vaccination of stray dogs followed by their release into their original territories. While some view the court’s move as a step toward ensuring public safety, others—particularly animal rights activists and politicians—have labelled it “inhumane,” “unscientific,” and even impractical.

The Evolution of Human-Dog Relationship

The human-dog relationship is one of the most remarkable examples of co-evolution in the animal kingdom. Estimated to have begun between 15,000 and 40,000 years ago, the domestication of dogs originated when wolves, the friendliest and most adaptable among them, formed symbiotic bonds with early humans. Initially scavenging for food near human settlements, dogs soon became valued for their ability to act as sentinels, warning humans of predators and intruders.

Over time, this evolved into deep cooperation, with dogs assisting in hunting, herding, and guarding. Archaeological findings, such as the burial of a disabled dog alongside two humans in Germany over 14,000 years ago, reveal that dogs were not only functional aids but also beloved companions. Dogs also developed unique cognitive and social skills, such as interpreting human gestures and emotions, while humans benefitted from the security and companionship dogs offered.

Dogs in Ancient Indian Culture and Mythology

In ancient Indian traditions, dogs occupied multifaceted roles, ranging from loyal companions to divine beings. The Rigveda mentions Sarama, a divine female dog and messenger of Indra. Her offspring, Sharvara and Shyama, are the mythical four-eyed dogs guarding the path to Yama’s abode.

The Mahabharata offers a timeless lesson in loyalty and compassion through Yudhishthira’s journey to heaven with a loyal dog. When Lord Indra insisted Yudhishthira abandon the dog to gain entry into heaven, he refused, prioritizing loyalty and dharma over heavenly bliss. Ultimately, Indra revealed the dog as Dharma himself, underscoring that compassion and righteousness transcend even salvation.

Dogs were also associated with powerful deities. Lord Bhairava, a fierce form of Shiva, is depicted with a dog as his mount, symbolizing loyalty and guardianship. The deity Dattatreya, embodying Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, is accompanied by four dogs representing the four Vedas—symbols of divine knowledge and protection. Archaeological sites like Bhimbetka, Ropar, and Burzahom further attest to dogs’ sacred and social roles, with depictions of domestication and burials alongside humans.

Philosophical Reflections: Plato’s Wisdom Through Dogs

The significance of dogs was not limited to Indian traditions. In Plato’s Republic, dogs are used as analogies for the guardian class of the ideal state. Just as a good dog is fierce toward intruders but gentle toward those it recognizes, so too must guardians be courageous against enemies while compassionate toward citizens.

Plato also saw dogs as “lovers of wisdom,” noting their ability to distinguish friend from foe as an expression of knowledge and learning. This analogy provided the foundation for his vision of philosopher-kings—leaders trained not just in warfare but in wisdom and justice.

The Modern Human-Dog Bond: Companionship and Emotional Support

Today, dogs are predominantly regarded as companions and family members. They provide unconditional love, reduce stress and anxiety, encourage active lifestyles, and combat loneliness by fostering social interactions. Scientifically, interacting with dogs lowers cortisol levels while increasing oxytocin production, promoting well-being.

For dogs, the bond provides security, nourishment, and a social group where they thrive emotionally. Modern pet owners invest significantly in veterinary care, training, and nutrition, deepening this co-evolutionary relationship.

Criticism of the Court Order and the Road Ahead

The Supreme Court’s directive of August 11 has drawn widespread criticism. Politicians, activists, and celebrities, including Rahul Gandhi, Maneka Gandhi, Sushmita Dev, John Abraham, and Vir Das, have voiced concerns. Rahul Gandhi called the move “a step back from decades of humane, science-backed policy,” warning against blanket removals that erase compassion. Maneka Gandhi termed it “financially unviable” and “harmful to ecological balance,” cautioning that removing dogs could lead to an influx of monkeys and other animals into urban spaces.

Recognizing the sensitivity of the matter, CJI Gavai transferred the case to a larger three-judge bench led by Justice Vikram Nath. The court has reserved its order, and millions of dog lovers across Delhi-NCR now await a humane judicial resolution balancing public safety with compassion.

A Bond Beyond Time

The human-dog relationship is a civilisational thread, woven through myth, philosophy, companionship, and survival. While courts and governments grapple with managing urban safety, this bond remains an eternal symbol of loyalty, trust, and shared destiny. The challenge before us is to reconcile public safety with humane treatment, ensuring that compassion for animals coexists with responsibility toward society.