MCD forms panel to set up stray dog shelters across Delhi

In a bid to tackle the growing concerns over stray dogs in the Capital, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has constituted a sub-committee tasked with planning and establishing shelter homes for strays in every zone of the city.

The move, according to Standing Committee Chairperson Satya Sharma, is aimed at addressing both public safety and urban health issues arising from the increasing stray dog population. “The problem is becoming a serious civic and health concern. A long-term, sustainable solution is needed,” Sharma said. “The sub-committee will help formulate an effective plan for sheltering strays across all municipal zones.”

The committee has been directed to submit a detailed zone-wise action plan within a month. This will include identifying appropriate locations for shelters, budget assessments, resource needs, and coordination with NGOs and experts in animal welfare and public health.

The initiative comes amid alarming national data on dog bite cases and suspected rabies deaths. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying S.P. Singh Baghel said over 37.17 lakh dog bite cases and 54 suspected human rabies deaths were reported across the country in 2024 alone, as per data collected by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under the National Rabies Control Programme.

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While municipalities are primarily responsible for managing stray dog populations, Baghel said efforts are underway to expand the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programme, which mandates neutering and anti-rabies vaccinations. The Centre also issued ABC Rules, 2023 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

In November 2024, the ministry advised states to involve local bodies more proactively in implementing these measures, with a particular focus on safeguarding children. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has also issued multiple advisories to Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and local authorities. From April 2024 to June 2025, the AWBI sent 166 letters regarding community animal management concerns.

(With inputas from PTI)