The Municipal Corporation (MC) has intensified efforts to tackle stray dog menace in view of the recent Supreme Court (SC) directions.
The state government and civic authorities have started initiating steps to address the growing concern over stray dog attacks and public safety in the district while ensuring humane treatment of animals.
In a statement shared on social media, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the government would implement the SC’s May 19 directions in “letter and spirit”. He said stray dogs would be removed from high-footfall public places to ensure the safety of children, senior citizens and families. He also announced that adequate dog shelters would be created for proper care of the strays.
The CM clarified action, including euthanasia, would only be taken in cases involving rabid, incurably ill or highly aggressive dogs, strictly in line with provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.
MC Zonal Commissioner Jasdev Sekhon said the Local Bodies Department had already held a video conference with civic bodies across the state, and detailed guidelines would be issued shortly.
Health Officer Vipan Malhotra said the MC had sterilised 1.26 lakh stray dogs in the past four years. He pointed out the civic body operates a dog sanctuary for stray animals. Officials said 12 stray dogs were caught from Basant Avenue and Tagore Nagar on Friday.
The issue triggered strong reactions from residents and animal welfare activists. City resident Ravinder Pal Singh Ghai, who recently raised concerns over the menace in Gurdev Nagar, welcomed the government’s response. He had written to the CM and departments concerned, demanding immediate action to protect residents from stray dog attacks. Activists urged the authorities to implement the SC judgment carefully and within the legal framework.
Former Animal Welfare Board of India member Sandeep Kumar Jain appealed to the board to issue an advisory to avoid misinterpretation of the SC directions.
