Karnal struggles with stray animal menace

As 2024 draws to a close, the ongoing issue of stray animals — dogs, cattle and monkeys — continues to plague the residents of Karnal. This problem has remained one of the biggest challenges for civic authorities and local residents of the area.

A year ago, stray cattle and dogs crowded roads, lanes and streets, while monkeys invaded residential areas, markets and even government offices, causing widespread fear. Though the problem has been on the authorities’ radar, with promises of solutions and focused efforts, it persists and, in some areas, has worsened.

As the city moves into 2025, residents are left wondering whether they would see relief or if the menace would continue.

Stray cattle remain a major concern for the administration. These animals have been a frequent cause of accidents throughout the year. Authorities report nearly 1,000 stray cattle have been shifted to gaushalas and nandigrams over the past year; however, around 200 continue to roam the roads.

Officials attribute the rise in stray cattle to the abandonment of non-productive animals by their owners. As a result, authorities face an uphill battle in clearing the roads. Former Urban Local Bodies Minister Subhash Sudha had proposed fines for those abandoning cattle in the city, as well as rewards for citizens who report such incidents. However, despite these efforts, the number of stray cattle continues to grow.

“The menace of stray cattle remains largely unchecked. Gaushalas and nandigrams are overcrowded, and many cannot accommodate the growing number of stray animals. Several fatal accidents have occurred due to stray cattle,” said Deepak Kumar, a local resident.

“People continue to abandon non-productive cattle, which is increasing their numbers. We are making efforts, shifting 15-20 stray cattle to gaushalas and nandigrams daily,” said Surinder Chopra, Chief Sanitary Inspector at KMC.

The monkey menace in Karnal has escalated alarmingly. By the end of 2023, there were nearly 1,000 monkeys in the city; however, no agency was available to capture them. One agency had been assigned the task but abandoned it in mid-January 2024. In July, another agency took over the relocation efforts and has since moved about 500 monkeys to the jungle. However, the same number remains in the city.

Residents are increasingly frustrated with the persistent monkey nuisance. “The monkey menace has caused extensive damage to homes, gardens and vehicles. They destroy windows, damage plants and residents fear bites that could lead to diseases. Aggressive behaviour sometimes results in injuries, especially to children and the elderly. There have been several incidents of attacks,” said Yogesh Gulati, a local resident.

Authorities insist the campaign to relocate monkeys would continue until all are removed from the city. The KMC Commissioner, Dr Vaishali Sharma, said the agency involved is working in compliance with guidelines from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), ensuring the capture and relocation of monkeys is humane under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Residents facing monkey-related issues can report them at the KMC’s toll-free number (18001802700).

Meanwhile, the problem of stray dogs has worsened, with no agency yet appointed for sterilisation. The dog population continues to rise and incidents of dog bites are becoming more frequent. Packs of stray dogs have been increasingly aggressive, especially at night, causing fear among residents, particularly children and the elderly.

Despite several unsuccessful attempts to find a suitable agency for sterilisation, KMC is expected to appoint one soon. The civic body has also planned to construct a dedicated dog care centre, which aims to control the stray dog population and provide care after sterilisation.

By the end of 2023, there were about 12,000 stray dogs in the city, a number that has now risen to approximately 18,000. The problem has become a pressing issue, affecting daily life in Karnal. Sources at the district civil hospital report an increasing number of dog bites, with around 20 cases being recorded daily, highlighting the urgent need for action.

“There is a real need to control the stray dog population as dog bite cases are rising rapidly,” said advocate Sukhbir Tyagi, a local resident.

Additional Municipal Commissioner Dheeraj Kumar said an agency would soon be tasked with tackling the stray dog problem.

As the year ends, Karnal faces an uncertain future in addressing the menace of stray animals, leaving residents and authorities alike searching for a lasting solution.