Delhi govt seeks lasting stray dog solution: CM

New Delhi

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government is working on a long-term solution to address the stray dog problem in the city. Speaking at a development event in Pitampura, she acknowledged concerns raised by residents about the issue, emphasizing that the solution must consider both people and the animals.

Gupta explained that the government is creating a platform to involve residents and animal caregivers in finding a balanced approach. She noted that current laws prevent stray dogs from being kept in shelters or removed from their usual streets.

The Chief Minister said the government is developing a policy that ensures no harm or discomfort to either humans or animals, and this work is ongoing.

The Delhi High Court recently asked city authorities to draft a rehabilitation policy to gradually remove stray dogs from public roads in a humane way. The court stressed the need for cooperation between the government, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the Animal Welfare Board of India.

Currently, the MCD can catch stray dogs for sterilization but must return them to the same area. Despite these efforts, the stray dog population has grown rapidly, causing more dog bite incidents and raising safety concerns across Delhi.