Public outrage is escalating across India regarding the alleged “illegal” removal and mistreatment of community dogs at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. This follows the emergence of unsettling videos on social media depicting incidents involving the airport’s sanitation workers and the dogs.
One widely circulated video from April 2 shows a brown stray dog, referred to as Dholu, being tied with ropes and dragged through Terminal 1. Animal rights advocates claim that the use of wire nooses and rough handling constitutes animal cruelty.
In a separate incident, a 14-year-old female dog known as Kaddu, familiar to regular airport passengers, reportedly went missing from Terminal 3. Local animal feeders allege that Kaddu was forcibly relocated by airport authorities, allegedly breaching animal welfare laws.
The videos have led to online campaigns under hashtags like #JusticeForDholu and #BringKadduBack, attracting widespread condemnation from animal lovers and frequent travelers. “The videos clearly show that both friendly dogs were unlawfully removed by airport authorities. We demand that long-time community dogs be allowed to remain on airport premises,” stated Mini Mehra, a Gurgaon resident and frequent flyer.
Animal rights activists have taken legal action, seeking accountability from airport authorities and their contractors for allegedly violating India’s Animal Birth Control Rules, which prohibit the relocation of sterilized community dogs. A Delhi court has requested local police to justify the lack of an FIR regarding the matter, with the next hearing scheduled for April 29.
Activists caution that confirmed acts of cruelty may incur severe penalties under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. “Depending on the court’s ruling, we will determine our next steps. We are also considering filing a separate petition with the central government for strict action against the airport authorities,” remarked animal welfare activist Sanjoy Roy.
In defense of its actions, the airport operator, Delhi International Airport Limited, cited concerns for passenger safety. The administration states that stray dogs are cared for under veterinary supervision and that all interventions are executed responsibly. “We would like to clarify that the brown dog… has been carefully handled, calmed, and gently returned to its familiar area. Our approach is grounded in care, safety, and responsible management,” the airport tweeted recently.
The airport also addressed the case of the missing dog at Terminal 3, noting, “We sincerely hope it is safe and nearby.” However, frequent travelers have dismissed the explanations provided by airport authorities. Anjali Y, a regular flyer, expressed her discontent, stating, “The videos are outrageous. Whenever my mother and I fly to Delhi for her treatment, we always make it a point to cuddle Dholu. We want both dogs back at the airport as soon as possible.”
