Why Gurugram’s stray dog sterilisation was paused — and when it’ll resume
As the stray dog menace continues to be one of the biggest challenges for the Gurugram Municipal Corporation, it is working on implementing Supreme Court’s latest directives on stray animal management.
The city has over 50,000 stray dogs, and currently struggles with various challenges such as the lack of adequate shelter homes.
What is the ground reality?
While there are no official numbers, various unofficial reports peg the total number of stray dogs in city at around 50,000. It tops the state for dog bites.
With no clear mandate on dealing with “aggressive” dogs, the MC does not have enough shelter homes. The sterilisation and vaccination, too, lacks fervour. Local resident welfare associations (RWAs) have, on their part, been attempting to manage strays in their respective areas.
What is the current challenge?
The city’s sterilisation and vaccination programme was disrupted after the two earlier contracted agencies, Jeevdaya and Animal Sympathy, abruptly halted operations nearly two months before the contract expiry, in December. The agencies cited repair work as the reason.
What does the MC plan to do?
As the drive has been halted, the MC has floated fresh tenders for the same. The agency has received bids from five agencies, and one will be finalised within next two-three days. The drive will be resumed next month. The MC will select one agency each for zones 1 and 4, and another for zones 2 and 3. It also plans to take legal action against the “erring” agencies.
How are Supreme Court directives on stray management being implemented?
The MC has released comprehensive guidelines for stray dog management in accordance with a Supreme Court order issued in August. The guidelines aim to ensure animal welfare while improving public safety and reducing conflicts involving stray dogs. According to the new rules, RWAs and society management committees will be responsible for feeding arrangements for community animals. Feeding stations must be located away from crowded areas, playgrounds, staircases, and building entrances, and feeding times should not cause inconvenience to senior citizens or children.
To address disputes, the MC will form an animal welfare committee comprising the Chief Veterinary Officer, a police representative, members from the SPCA or state board, a recognised animal welfare organisation, a local authority veterinarian, the complainant, and a representative from the RWA concerned.
Haryana Tribune