Morning walkers in the southern suburbs of Chennai are increasingly concerned over the rising number of stray dogs in areas like Nanganallur, Pallavaram, Chrompet, Tambaram, and Perungalathur. What once used to be peaceful morning routines have now become anxiety-filled strolls due to frequent encounters with aggressive packs of stray dogs.Many residents say the issue has worsened over the past year. Streets, parks, and even temple premises see groups of stray dogs roaming freely, sometimes chasing joggers and two-wheeler riders.
“I walk every morning near the Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple. These days, I carry a stick just to feel safe. A pack of five dogs once came barking towards me. I was terrified,” said R. Meenakshi, a retired teacher and resident of Nanganallur.
Similar concerns were echoed in Tambaram and Chrompet, where walkers say early mornings are turning unsafe. “The dogs bark loudly, chase people and sometimes even bite. My neighbour’s son was bitten last month while jogging near the railway quarters in Chrompet,” said K. Prabhu, a techie from Chrompet.
Perungalathur, once known for its calm outskirts and open walking spaces, has also seen a spike in stray dog activity. “I no longer let my children step out in the mornings. Dogs chase schoolkids too. Authorities must act,” urged Janani Ramesh, a homemaker from Perungalathur.
While animal lovers say sterilisation and feeding are important, walkers insist that the issue must be addressed through stricter population control and relocation strategies. “This is not about cruelty; it’s about safety. We need a balanced approach. The Corporation must step up sterilisation and vaccination drives,” said S. Gopal, a morning walker from Pallavaram.
Residents are now urging local authorities and the Greater Chennai Corporation to conduct regular stray dog surveys and increase animal birth control (ABC) drives in these suburbs. The public hopes that proper intervention will soon restore safety to their everyday morning routines.