Mohali residents demand dog shelter

Taking a serious note of the growing problem of stray dogs, Mohli residents and Deputy Mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi have demanded the immediate setting up of a dog shelter. They pointed out that while Chandigarh has already started the process in compliance with the Supreme Court’s deadline of January 7 to arrange shelters, Mohali is still seen lagging behind. Bedi has written to the Deputy Commissioner Mohali, the Chief Secretary of Punjab, and the CA of GMADA requesting urgent action.

Bedi clarified that the ever-increasing number of stray dogs in Mohali has become a matter of concern for citizens. “These dogs are helpless, and many people love them. However, due to a lack of space in both the city and villages, they are forced to roam on the streets. Small children, elderly people and daily commuters feel scared. Therefore, a dog shelter is the need of the hour,” Bedi said.

He explained that Mohali Municipal Corporation does not possess land, and most of the land falls under GMADA. “I have even raised this matter in the high court. Punjab’s dog policy has taken shape only after a long struggle. Now there should be no delay in providing land and constructing the shelter as per the guidelines,” he stated.

Bedi said the dog shelter must include doctors, medicines, food, treatment, breeding control and daily care facilities so that the stray dogs could remain safe. Citizens should also be encouraged to adopt them to reduce risk on the streets.

He expressed disappointment that the machinery responsible for implementing the Supreme Court’s directives has not shown seriousness. “This is not an extra task. Public safety and animal rights are both important. Officers should take this on priority,” he said.

Phase-4 resident NS Kalsi also urged the administration to initiate the process. He expressed confidence that this written request would prompt the government and administration to take immediate action so that Mohali, like Chandigarh, can fulfill the Supreme Court’s orders on time.