Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, meanwhile, said the “stray dog menace” had assumed “gigantic proportions” and assured that her government would bring in a policy soon.

To illustrate his point, he referred to traditional practices — like leaving milk for calves while milking cows — as an example of coexistence and balance with nature.

In cities across the country, the feral animals are both loved and feared. The judges are forging into intensely emotional territory by going after the ones in the capital.