An order by India’s top court to authorities in capital Delhi and its surrounding areas to relocate all stray dogs to shelters within eight weeks, citing a rise in rabies cases, has sparked a debate between advocates of animal rights and public safety.

India’s top court has ordered authorities in New Delhi to start removing all stray dogs from its streets and to sterilize and relocate them to shelters permanently.

The Supreme Court has directed that all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR be moved to shelters within eight weeks, sparking protests from animal rights activists. Demonstrators at India Gate, including rescuers and caregivers,