Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has sparked a debate on social media after criticizing those protesting against the Supreme Court’s recent order directing that all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR be shifted to shelter homes. The order triggered widespread protests on the streets and discussions online, with many Bollywood celebrities voicing opposition to the directive.

On Saturday, Varma took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his strong views. In his post, he questioned why dog lovers showed such passion for animals while remaining silent on cases where children were attacked or killed by stray dogs. “Where were these people when a four-year-old child was brutally killed in broad daylight on the streets? Thousands of such attacks happen every year. Is compassion reserved only for wagging tails while dead children don’t count?” he wrote.

Clarifying that he also loves dogs, Varma added, “Love your dogs in your own homes, your luxury bungalows, and your manicured lawns. Hire staff to look after your imported Labradors, Huskies, and other pedigree breeds. But don’t let your love turn into a menace on the streets.”

He further argued that the dog menace primarily affects the poor and marginalized, not the privileged. “The menace prowls the streets and slums, where children play barefoot with no gates or fences to protect them,” Varma wrote, adding that the rich should not impose this burden on the powerless.

In another tweet, the Rangeela director highlighted the importance of balance, stating, “Compassion without balance is injustice. If you truly love dogs, adopt them, feed them, and protect them in your homes. Or demand that the government provide solutions. But don’t let your sentimentality cost someone else’s child their life.”

The Supreme Court has reserved its decision on an interim plea seeking a stay on its earlier order regarding the relocation of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR. The debate continues, with questions being raised about balancing animal rights and public safety.