Lodge FIR against those feeding stray dogs: Goel

Amid a surge in stray dog-bite incidents across Delhi, former Union Minister Vijay Goel on Thursday called for a comprehensive “#NoDogsOnStreet” policy, pressing the Delhi Government and the Municipal Corporation to prioritise public safety over unchecked animal welfare rules.

He demanded the creation of shelter homes, amendments to Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules and stringent penalties, including FIR against those feeding stray dogs in public.

Goel, who has campaigned on the issue for over a year, drew parallels with a recent Maharashtra High Court order allowing action against pigeon feeders in Mumbai. “If FIRs can be filed against them, why not against people feeding stray dogs who endanger public health?” he asked.

He further demanded deployment of civil defence volunteers and police to prevent street feeding and proposed compensation for victims of dog attacks.

Goel’s five-point plan includes compensation for dog bite victims, toll-free helpline, dog population census and enhanced municipal funding and manpower.

Anjali, a resident of Laxmi Nagar, said: “I go for morning walk around 4:30 am. The number of stray dogs in my area is frightening. They bark and bare their teeth—sometimes half a dozen or more at once. It’s terrifying.”

Recounting a recent ordeal, Manu, another Delhiite, said: “A couple of months ago, my mom and I were riding a scooty when seven dogs started chasing us. Two tried to bite my hand and one nearly bit my mother’s leg. We were only saved because our building guards intervened.”

Meanwhile, MCD’s Standing Committee sub-panel, headed by vice-chairperson Sunder Singh, met to fast-track sterilisation efforts and seek legal support from the Delhi and Central governments to address regulatory roadblocks. The committee, formed after several councillors raised alarm over dog attacks, will present its recommendations within a month. Chairperson Satya Sharma assured coordinated efforts and hinted at reviewing rules that obstruct sterilisation and control drives.

The urgency of the matter was underscored by the death of six-year-old Chavi Sharma in Rohini’s Pooth Kalan area. The child was mauled by a rabid dog that locals claim had been terrorising the area for months despite repeated complaints. This incident, along with viral clips of citizens resorting to extraordinary measures to avoid strays, has sparked outrage.

Even law enforcement is alarmed. Moti Nagar SHO Inspector Varun Dalal has written to the DDA following a fatal dog attack in a DDA park on Najafgarh Road. The SHO’s letter questioned the park’s security, stray dog protocols and CCTV arrangements, asking whether the DDA had a contract with any security agency and who was responsible for dog control.

In this matter, the Supreme Court on July 28 took suo motu cognisance of the growing menace. Citing recent reports, the apex court flagged the increase in rabies-linked fatalities and termed the situation “alarming and disturbing”. It noted that the last stray dog census in Delhi was conducted in 2016, and unofficial estimates now place the population at over 70 lakh.