Lucknow, August 17, 2025 – In a show of solidarity for man’s best friend, hundreds of animal lovers gathered in Lucknow today to protest against the mistreatment of street dogs. The main event was a lively march that started from Lohia Park and made its way to the busy 1090 intersection. People from all walks of life joined in, chanting slogans and holding signs that called for better protection and rights for stray animals. This comes at a time when the whole country is talking about a recent Supreme Court order on relocating stray dogs, especially in places like Delhi.
The march kicked off at Lohia Park in Gomti Nagar. Organizers from groups like Jeeva Ashraya led the way, explaining how stray dogs are part of our communities and deserve kindness, not cruelty. “These dogs aren’t just wandering the streets, they’re our neighbors,” said one protester. She added that the court’s decision has sparked fear that dogs might be rounded up harshly without proper care. The group walked steadily through the city, stopping traffic for a bit but keeping things peaceful. By the time they reached 1090 chauraha, the crowd had grown, with more folks joining along the route.
But that wasn’t all. Separate demonstrations happened at Lohia Park itself and at Eco Garden nearby. At Lohia Park, people set up stalls with info on how to feed and care for strays safely. Kids drew pictures of happy dogs, and vets gave free tips on vaccinations. Over at Eco Garden, a smaller but passionate group held a sit-in, sharing stories of how street dogs have saved lives by alerting people to dangers. “We want the government to focus on sterilization and shelters, not just moving them out,” shouted an activist during the event.
This protest in Lucknow is part of a bigger wave across India. Just days ago, similar rallies hit Bengaluru, Chennai, and Delhi, where animal rights folks clashed with police over the Supreme Court’s ruling to shift strays to shelters. In Delhi, some activists even got detained after things got heated. Here in Lucknow, though, the mood stayed calm, with police keeping an eye but not stepping in. Residents have mixed feelings, some complain about dog bites rising after the court order, but others say the real issue is lack of proper management.
Local authorities haven’t said much yet, but the municipal corporation has been getting more calls to catch strays. Protesters hope their voices will push for humane solutions, like more funding for animal welfare programs. As the sun set, the crowds promised to keep fighting.
Events like this remind us how divided people are on the stray dog issue. On one side, safety concerns, on the other, compassion for animals who’ve shared our streets for years. With the Supreme Court set to review the order soon, all eyes are on what comes next. For now, Lucknow’s animal lovers have made their point loud and clear.
