Aggressive capture, earmarking shelters top MCD’s stray agenda

The initial focus of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will be to identify unused municipal properties for conversion into dog shelters, capture aggressive strays against whom there are multiple complaints, and set up a dedicated helpline for dog-related grievances, among others, officials said Monday.

- Paras Singh

These steps, senior civic officials said, are part of the MCD's immediate response to the Supreme Court's Monday order directing the capture and housing of all stray dogs in Delhi and the National Capital Region within eight weeks. The court made it clear that no stray dog caught during the drive can be released back on the streets.

Hours after the top court directive, an urgent meeting of the MCD's subcommittee on dogs with the veterinary department was convened, where these measures were discussed.

MCD’s standing committee chairperson Satya Sharma, who chaired the meeting, said the civic body reviewed its resources and infrastructure to comply with the order. “We have issued directions to identify suitable locations for setting up dog shelter centres in consultation with experienced organisations and various NGOs, ensuring that all essential facilities are available. A dedicated helpline number will also be issued,” Sharma said.

To be sure, Delhi currently has no permanent dog shelter.