India Plans Large-Scale Stray Dog Sterilization to Curb Attacks Across Major Cities

Indian cities including Delhi and Srinagar are facing significant challenges with stray dog populations, leading to safety concerns and efforts to manage the issue humanely. Delhi has implemented new Stray Dog Management and Animal Birth Control guidelines that legally protect individuals feeding stray dogs responsibly and mandate sterilization, vaccination, and registration of pets to reduce conflicts. Srinagar has seen numerous severe dog bite incidents, prompting municipal authorities to launch a large-scale sterilization program aiming to capture and neuter over 21,000 dogs by 2026, with efforts to release them back into their original locations. Residents in Srinagar’s Press Colony report feeling unsafe due to the growing stray dog population, citing frequent attacks and intimidation, while local officials plan to enhance sterilization drives and waste management to curb the problem. Despite these measures, public anxiety remains high as communities await more effective interventions to address both animal welfare and public safety concerns. Animal welfare activists emphasize the importance of humane treatment, noting that stray dogs can be affectionate if properly cared for and managed.