MCD Draft: Strict Rules for Stray Dogs, Shelter Boost

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi's sub-committee has proposed significant changes to stray dog management, aligning with a Supreme Court directive. New recommendations include imposing on-the-spot fines for feeding strays in non-designated areas and establishing 'high-risk dog holding areas' in every zone for aggressive or rabies-suspected dogs. These dogs would be held for monitoring and potentially permanently sheltered.

The proposal also calls for doubling the capacity of all Animal Birth Control shelters, appointing additional staff, and acquiring adjacent land for expansion. Designated feeding points will feature information boards and CCTV cameras, with bans on feeding near schools, hospitals, and markets. A unified Stray Dog Helpline is also planned.

However, animal welfare activists have criticized the plan as impractical and lacking compassion, citing potential displacement and inadequate infrastructure for confined dogs. Concerns are also raised about the MCD's financial capabilities, as payments to existing ABC organizations have been pending.