India, June 9 -- Animal rights activists on Monday raised concerns over the recent Supreme Court directions on the relocation of stray dogs from public spaces, alleging that it could weaken safeguards against cruelty to animals.

Addressing a press conference organised by the Conference for Human Rights (India) here, the activists said the focus should be on strengthening sterilisation and vaccination programmes rather than removing dogs from their habitats. They argued that the present situation was the result of years of inadequate implementation of animal birth control and anti-rabies measures by civic authorities.

The activists also announced a protest at Jantar Mantar on June 13 to voice their concerns over the court's directions an...