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NEW DELHI: Following the Supreme Court order on removal of strays from public spaces, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) said the primary responsibility for restricting their entry into such premises will rest with the heads of the institutions, reports Vibha Sharma. An MCD official said Supreme Court categorically instructed in-charges of these establishments to ensure fencing and prevent feeding or entry of stray dogs on the premises. “In case strays are found, MCD will arrange for their immediate capture and transfer to shelters. A direction is expected soon from Delhi govt to all departments and institutions,” the official added.
Will coordinate with organisations & depts for shelter maintenance: MCD
The MCD currently operates 20 Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres through 13 NGOs, each deploying a vehicle per zone for catching stray dogs, in addition to the vehicles provided by the corporation itself. However, councillors have flagged that 2-3 centres, including those in Timarpur and Rohini, remain non-functional, increasing the workload on others. Officials said notice has been issued to the NGOs concerned to restart full-fledged operations or risk their sites being re-allotted to other agencies. Mayor Sardar Raja Iqbal Singh said, “MCD will enhance coordination with animal welfare organisations and departments concerned to ensure the establishment and maintenance of shelters across the city. The goal is to keep Delhi a safe, compassionate, and well-organised city, where the welfare of both citizens and animals is ensured.” Residents, meanwhile, alleged that the Delhi govt has been “merely filing affidavits and replies in court is happening on the ground”. Saurabh Gandhi, resident of Rana Pratap Bagh and general secretary of the United Residents of Delhi (URD), said, “In our colony, 2 dogs dangerously attacked several elderly residents and children last month. We repeatedly complained to the MCD veterinary department to comply with the SC order. After much delay, they picked up an attacking dog on Oct 22 but released it back on Oct 29. Out of desperation, we have now filed an appeal in the Supreme Court.” In line with earlier SC directions to establish designated feeding spots for stray dogs, MCD said it has identified 292 locations across 80 wards, where signboards are being installed. To accommodate aggressive or biting dogs, MCD’s veterinary department has earmarked a 2.5-acre plot in Dwarka Sector 23 for constructing a dedicated shelter home. Although budgetary provisions were made, work has been pending for a long time. “A meeting may soon be convened with the Commissioner to issue fresh directions to the engineering wing to accelerate the project,” an official said. MCD has yet to release this year’s budget for sterilisation and immunisation of stray dogs for the ongoing financial year (2025-26). The civic body reimburses NGOs and veterinary professionals Rs 1,000 per dog for sterilisation and vaccination, with payments released after a joint inspection team verifies the procedures – typically within 2-3 months. Former Union minister Vijay Goel welcomed the court’s intervention as “a step in the right direction”. “When two foreign coaches were bitten by stray dogs at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, India’s image was damaged. Stray dogs should be removed not only from public places but also from residential colonies, parks, tourist spots, airports, court premises, and other public areas. I appeal to dog lovers to adopt or feed them at shelter homes so that society remains both safe and sensitive,” he said. Go to Source
