India, Aug. 12 -- The Supreme Court's sweeping directive to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets and place them in shelters within eight weeks has split the city down the middle.

The order follows alarming reports including a child's death from rabies after a stray attack. The apex court has instructed the Delhi government, MCD, and NDMC to begin pickups immediately. No captured stray (even if sterilised) can be released back into public areas.

The ruling has been trending online, with animal welfare activists arguing it will worsen human-animal conflict. Vidit Sharma from Noida-based Save a Stray calls it "totally inhumane": "How can you pick up a free dog living in a society that is not posing a threat and relocate without rea...