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Supreme Court Order to Clear Stray Dogs Tests Cities Facing Shelter Shortfalls

Municipal officials say the eight-week deadline is unrealistic given shortages of shelters, funding and staff.

Overview

  • The court directed states and UTs to remove stray dogs from schools, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands, railway stations and other public places.
  • Authorities must fence these sites and relocate collected dogs to designated shelters only after vaccination and sterilisation under Animal Birth Control Rules, with nodal officers to prevent returns.
  • Chennai officials report no dedicated shelters at present, with six planned facilities still in early stages and months from completion.
  • Ten new Animal Birth Control centres are targeted for readiness by December, with separate units proposed for rabies-affected and aggressive dogs at Perungudi and Madhavaram.
  • Hospitals and transport hubs are weighing temporary barriers such as trench gates or bollards, while animal-welfare groups warn mass relocation risks overcrowded shelters and poorer conditions.