Chandigarh MC sinks its teeth into stray dog management

Looking to resolve the city’s severe stray dog menace, the municipal corporation has set in motion the revamp of its entire stray dog management system.

More effective and better-monitored dog sterilisation, upgraded infrastructure for better dog care and control, and a fresh dog survey form the focus of its initiative.

The stray dog problem has aggravated over the years, so much that it was one of the central issues in the municipal elections held last year. Even in the last couple of MC General House meetings, the issue was strongly raised by councillors across party lines.

With an estimated population of more than 13,000 stray dogs, city hospitals report around 30 dog bite cases daily, bringing MC under severe criticism for failing to control the stray dog population and dog bites cases, amid poor dog sterilisation efforts.

Stricter sterilisation plan

The last sterilisation contract awarded to an agency had ended in 2021 and has since continued on an extension.

Now, before awarding the next contract, the civic body has prepared sterner parameters. Stricter monitoring and performance clauses have been inserted in the tender, which will be floated in the next 10 days.

MC commissioner Anindita Mitra said, “Performance with proof will be monitored through a mobile application. A Geo-tagged picture of each dog will be taken at the time of picking up of a stray dog as well as dropping off after sterilisation.”

Female dogs will be targeted more, as their sterilisation ensures that the entire pack cannot procreate even if some male dogs are left out.

“In the tender, we have also stipulated manpower requirements with qualifications, as it is important to have capable staff in terms of veterinary assistants and pharmacists,” said Mitra.

“With an eye on better monitoring of the drive, the schedule will be area-based so that one area is completely covered before moving forward,” she added.

Besides sterilisation, MC will also take up vaccination and deworming of each stray dog.

New dog survey

To tackle their menace, MC will also conduct a fresh survey of the stray dog population in the city. The last census in Chandigarh was done in 2019, which had shown an increase in stray dog population by 64% within seven years since 2012.

While the number of stray dogs stood at 7,847 in the census conducted in 2012, it reached 12,900 in 2019. To make the census more effective and humane, MC will opt for non-invasive techniques.

Upgrading infrastructure, surveillance

MC will be placing orders for two dog-catching units, as the existing ones have outlived their utility. MC has also taken up renovation and repairs of the animal care centre in Sector 38 West, for which new operation equipment is also being purchased.

All 110 kennels as well as operation theatres will be covered under CCTV coverage to ensure that the dogs are well cared for. The camera feed will be monitored by a control room at the integrated command and control centre (ICCC).

“From January, our animal care centre at Raipur Kalan, with separate dog catching units and teams, will also be fully functional. It is equipped with 310 kennels that will help increase the number of dogs being sterilised from the current 400-500 a month to about 1,500 dogs a month,” said Mitra.