DMC to ramp up sterilisation efforts after SC ruling on stray dogs | Dehradun News
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DMC to ramp up sterilisation efforts after SC ruling on stray dogs
The Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) is gearing up to intensify its Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme in response to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the management of stray dogs. Officials said they will soon take necessary steps—like setting up dog feeding points and expanding shelters—while involving animal NGOs to create a comprehensive plan for all. In Udham Singh Nagar, activists welcomed the ruling as a win for humane treatment of strays. Meanwhile, in Haldwani, public opinion was split. While some welcomed the SC ruling recognising sterilisation as a better option over mass relocation, others highlighted concerns for public safety. For confidential support call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for details.
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“We will intensify the programme and come up with a comprehensive plan to comply with the SC directions,” said municipal commissioner Namami Bansal. Officials said they will soon take necessary steps—like setting up dog feeding points and expanding shelters—while involving animal NGOs to create a comprehensive plan for all.
Rubina Nitin Iyer, a representative of Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), said, “It’s a balanced order and the court has ordered ABC Rules to be strictly followed, and dogs can be picked up only for sterilisation or if aggressive in nature.
The procedure for defining or identifying an aggressive dog should be in accordance with ABC Rules 2023. Municipal authorities have to designate feeding stops in every ward to avoid feeding on the street.
Also, no HC can pass any order related to dogs.”
Shiva Verma, an advocate, told TOI that by increasing the scope of the judgement, the SC helped streamline this issue for several Indian cities. “Dog bite cases are on the rise in Dehradun as well.
Authorities now have clear directions on how to proceed. The municipalities will have dedicated points for feeding. Aggressive and sick dogs will be kept in shelters, and this will help reduce conflict cases. Also, the court has directed NGOs giving up dogs for adoption that they will be held liable if any of their animals bite someone.
This will also give some accountability.”
In Udham Singh Nagar, activists welcomed the ruling as a win for humane treatment of strays.
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Pratham Bisht, a member of NGO Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), said, “Caging dogs will never work. The only sustainable solution is sterilisation and vaccination. Out of nearly 16,000 stray dogs in the district, around 6,500 were already sterilised, but the effort must be scaled up urgently.”
Bisht added that where sterilisation and vaccination drives have crossed 80 per cent coverage, rabies cases have reduced significantly.
“Rabies can be prevented through timely vaccination, but administrative apathy remains the real problem,” he added.
Meanwhile, in Haldwani, public opinion was split. While some welcomed the SC ruling recognising sterilisation as a better option over mass relocation, others highlighted concerns for public safety.
Sunita Joshi, a teacher, said, “Municipal authorities could see the designated feeding zones and national policy push as necessary tools to handle the stray population in a more structured way.”
Narendra Singh, a shopkeeper, said, “Sterilised dogs can still be aggressive. The lack of clarity on defining aggressive dogs raises concerns about implementation loopholes that authorities could exploit, leaving many still vulnerable.”
(With inputs from Aakash Ahuja in US Nagar and Sonali Mishra in Nainital)