Stray dog removal order puts civic bodies under pressure

The Supreme Court’s directive to clear stray dogs from public spaces such as hospitals, colleges, bus depots, and railway stations within eight weeks has put civic authorities on high alert. The order mandates that sterilised dogs be relocated to fenced shelters under the supervision of nodal officers, ensuring they don’t return to these areas. However, officials say the timeline is impractical given the lack of infrastructure and funding. Chennai, for instance, has no dedicated shelters yet, and plans to build six in partnership with the State Animal Welfare Board are still in early stages. Ten new Animal Birth Control Centres are expected by December, along with two specialised facilities for rabies and aggressive dogs at Perungudi and Madhavaram. Hospitals and transport hubs are exploring temporary measures like barriers and trench gates, but enforcement remains difficult due to open premises and high footfall. Animal welfare groups have voiced strong objections, warning that mass relocation could lead to overcrowded shelters and animal distress. They insist that sterilised and vaccinated dogs should remain in their local territories, calling for humane, community-based management instead of hasty removals.