4.8 lakh strays sterilised in past six years: MCD

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has sterilised and vaccinated more than 4.8 lakh stray dogs in the past six years, an RTI reply had revealed early this year.

According to data from the MCD’s Department of Veterinary Services obtained through RTI, 99,997 stray dogs were sterilised and vaccinated in 2019-20. The number dropped to 51,990 in 2020-21, rose to 91,326 in 2021-22, fell again to 59,076 in 2022-23, and stood at 79,959 in 2023-24. As many as 97,994 dogs underwent the procedure between April and December 2024.

The last official stray dog census was conducted in 2009, counting about 5.6 lakh dogs. In the 16 years since, no new survey has been undertaken. A subcommittee constituted by the Delhi Assembly in 2019 estimated the population of stray dogs in the city at around 8 lakh.

Current estimates put the number at around 10 lakh. At this scale, housing all stray dogs would require at least 2,000 shelters, assuming each facility could house 500 dogs.

However, the MCD currently operates only 20 animal control centres, used mainly for short-term care after sterilisation before the animals are released back on the streets. Even if converted into full-fledged shelters, these facilities could hold no more than 5,000 animals — less than 5 per cent of the estimated requirement.

The data comes as the Supreme Court has directed the removal of all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets and their permanent housing in shelters within eight weeks, a move aimed at reducing dog attacks and rabies cases.