MCD plans phase-wise action to implement SC order on stray dogs

Stressing the urgency but acknowledging resource constraints, Delhi Mayor Iqbal Singh on Wednesday said the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Government would work to implement the Supreme Court’s recent order on stray dogs in a phased manner. The plan includes creating both temporary and permanent shelters and ensuring “no one faces problems due to stray dogs.”

The Mayor said the first phase would focus on picking up dogs prone to biting or infected with rabies. “We will identify these dogs through RWAs and work alongside NGOs. A meeting with all agencies of Delhi-NCR will be held to work towards achieving dog-free areas. We will also scale up the sterilisation programme,” Singh said.

While there is no updated official count of stray dogs in the Capital, the last dog census in 2009 recorded 5.6 lakh strays. Estimates now place the number at around 10 lakh. The MCD currently operates only 20 shelter homes, far short of the requirement.

Standing Committee chairperson Satya Sharma said setting up new shelters would take time due to land allocation challenges, but the corporation is committed to complying with the court’s directive.

Singh also acknowledged the shortage of shelters but pointed out that 10 sterilisation centres are operational. “We can make temporary and permanent shelter homes,” he added.

The Mayor also met dog lovers concerned about the impact of the order. “Just like you love pets, we are also pet lovers. We agreed that in the first phase, only sick, furious or biting dogs should be moved to correction centres or shelters. Pet lovers are ready to volunteer in these centres,” Singh said.

He said with public cooperation, the phased plan would safeguard both residents and stray dogs while complying with the Supreme Court’s order.