Guwahati, Sept. 8 -- Delhi's recent turmoil over street dogs-protests, petitions, and court directives-keeps reiterating the same dilemma: How do we keep people safe without denying animals the most basic right to live?

On public health, the evidence is unequivocal. It's true that dogs are responsible for ~99% of human rabies deaths. The way to stop transmission isn't mass culling; it's vaccinating dogs, paired with bite management and prompt post-exposure care for people. Concerns about attacks and rabies have pushed other countries toward harsh measures. Turkiye had moved to round up strays, with provisions allowing euthanasia for dogs deemed dangerous or unfit for adoption-a policy that triggered nationwide protests and international ...