Stray dog crisis: Chandigarh residents push for shelters, complaint mechanism

Just about a week after objections were invited to the draft “Municipal Corporation Chandigarh Pet and Community Dog Bye-Laws-2023,” residents have raised concerns over the glaring absence of clear guidelines on handling aggressive stray dogs, establishing an effective complaint redressal system, and regulating feeding practices.

Calling for a more comprehensive and practical approach to balance public safety with responsible animal care, the residents insist absence of specific measures to shelter violent strays and ensure timely intervention has allowed the problem to escalate, leaving them vulnerable to frequent dog bite incidents and safety hazards.

Among others, Sector 9 residents say the unchecked rise in stray dog attacks has led to severe injuries, particularly among the elderly and children, instilling fear within the community. The problem has restricted free movement, especially during early morning and late evening hours, as aggressive stray dogs pose a constant threat.

Despite efforts by municipal authorities, the failure to implement a structured stray dog management system has only exacerbated the issue, leading to repeated calls for urgent intervention.

Seeking immediate and decisive action, the residents have proposed key amendments to the proposed bye-laws drafted by the municipal corporation. These include measures aimed at striking a balance between public safety and responsible animal welfare, while ensuring an organized mechanism for stray dog management.

Shelter for stray animals displaying violent behavior

A crucial demand put forth by the residents is the establishment of a dedicated shelter to house stray animals that have been identified as aggressive or violent. Residents insist that the civic body take responsibility for maintaining such shelters, ensuring that strays involved in multiple bite cases or verified complaints are relocated to these facilities. This measure, says Jagtar Singh of Sector 9, would significantly reduce dog bite incidents and allow peaceful coexistence.

Complaint mechanism for residents

To facilitate prompt redressal of grievances, residents have proposed a dedicated helpline number and an online platform where citizens can report stray dog-related concerns.

Jagpreet Singh, a senior citizen putting up in Sector 18, feels that the system would allow residents to submit complaints, including photographic or video evidence, ensuring swift action from municipal authorities. He and other residents have also urged the authorities concerned to prominently display contact details in each sector to make the reporting process accessible and efficient. 

Restriction on feeding by residents of other sectors

Another key amendment proposed by the residents pertains to the regulation of stray dog feeding practices. Residents have proposed that only individuals residing in a particular sector should be permitted to feed stray dogs within their locality.

This restriction, says Rohit Kumar of Sector 16, would prevent outsiders from exacerbating the issue by feeding stray dogs indiscriminately and then leaving residents to deal with aggressive behavior triggered by territorial instincts.

Furthermore, they advocate that only registered volunteers should be allowed to feed stray dogs, as overfeeding has been linked to obesity and health issues among strays.

Registration and adoption for residents feeding dogs inside their homes

The residents propose that individuals who regularly feed stray dogs inside their homes must register as volunteers with the municipal corporation. They insist such individuals should be motivated to formally adopt the dogs to ensure proper care, timely vaccination, and medical attention. To facilitate this, the municipal corporation should provide support through sterilization and vaccination services.

A growing demand for immediate action

The demands put forth by Sector 9 and other residents reflect growing concern among citizens across Chandigarh. Residents argue that their proposed amendments are an effort to establish a structured approach that considers both human and animal welfare.

They insist that animal protection laws are essential, but an unregulated approach to stray dog management has led to a sharp increase in community dog population.

As such, the need for a well-defined policy that integrates humane stray dog management with public safety has never been more critical.