India, Aug. 12 -- Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday reacted to the Supreme Court's directive to remove all stray dogs from the Delhi-NCR region, calling it "a step back from decades of humane, science-backed policy."

The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said the animals were "not problems to be erased" and urged authorities to adopt shelters, sterilisation, vaccination and community care to ensure public safety without cruelty.

In a post on 'X', he wrote, "The SC's directive to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR is a step back from decades of humane, science-backed policy. These voiceless souls are not "problems" to be erased."

"Shelters, sterilisation, vaccination & community care can keep streets safe - without cruelty. ...