MCD's Strategy on Aggressive Stray Dogs

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is planning to manage aggressive stray dogs following a Supreme Court ruling prioritizing human safety.

Supreme Court Ruling

• The ruling emphasizes that human safety takes precedence over the welfare of sentient beings under the constitutional framework.
• Authorities are permitted to take measures, including euthanasia, for rabid, incurably ill, or demonstrably dangerous dogs, under guidelines set by qualified veterinary experts and laws such as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023.

Proposed MCD Actions

• A review meeting led by MCD Commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar will assess the strategy and infrastructure needs for stray dog management.
• A step-wise procedure is to be adopted, involving observation at ABC centres for dogs identified as aggressive or involved in repeated biting incidents.
• The observation period will last around 10 days, considering factors like anxiety, injuries, illnesses, or protective behaviors as causes of aggression.

Euthanasia Protocol

• If a dog shows no behavioral improvement even after treatment, euthanasia may be carried out in the presence of two doctors.
• Incurably ill dogs may be euthanized humanely using methods such as sodium pentobarbital, as per the ABC Rules, 2023.
• Rabid dogs will be monitored, as they typically die within 10 days, to determine their condition.

Stray Dog Management and Challenges

• The MCD aims to enhance sterilization, with 1,01,394 dogs sterilized from April 2025 to March 2026.
• Plans to establish dog shelters in all city zones with land from the Delhi government, potentially using Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects.
• Delays in projects for dog shelters and ABC centres due to interdepartmental issues and funding delays.

Infrastructure Enhancement

• The Supreme Court mandates enhanced preventive infrastructure in places like schools, hospitals, and sports complexes due to rising dog bite incidents.
• MCD to act in accordance with the court's directions to relocate stray dogs from sensitive areas.