The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) is set to finalise designated zones for feeding stray dogs across the city by the end of this month. This move comes as part of a coordinated effort between civic authorities and local animal welfare activists to systematically address the city's canine population and ensure regulated feeding practices.
Systematic Approach to Feeding and Shelter
Suma R Nayak, honorary treasurer of the Animal Care Trust, revealed that animal feeders are working on an area-wise basis to identify suitable spots. Once the locations are approved, the MCC will install clear signboards at these designated feeding zones. This step is crucial to prevent conflicts among residents and ensure that feeding happens in a controlled manner.
An environment engineer from the MCC is overseeing the entire project. Nayak explained that this initiative, along with the construction of a new dog shelter, is being undertaken in compliance with directives from the Supreme Court of India.
The Challenge of Stray Dog Population and ABC
While Mangaluru has been running Animal Birth Control (ABC) programmes for years, activists stress that these efforts are insufficient to curb the growing number of stray dogs. A comprehensive survey conducted last year across the city's 60 wards estimated the free-roaming dog population to be 53,384, with a confidence range between 43,292 and 63,476 dogs. Approximately 47% of these dogs have already been sterilised.
"Mangaluru needs at least two more ABC centres," stated Suma R Nayak. She added that the corporation is actively working on identifying land, finalising designs for the dog shelter, and developing a structured module for an expanded ABC centre. Her mandate is clear: every animal entering a shelter must be sterilised and vaccinated.
A National Model for Stray Dog Management
Nayak proposed a targeted approach, suggesting that for a city with an estimated 50,000 dogs, each ABC centre must have a defined sterilisation target. She emphasised that mass sterilisation and vaccination drives need meticulous planning.
Her vision extends beyond Mangaluru. She advocates for at least one ABC centre in every taluk and calls for mandatory pet sterilisation and registration to reduce the influx of abandoned animals into the streets. To ensure accountability, she suggested a stronger monitoring mechanism where the Supreme Court seeks detailed reports from all state governments every six months on the number of operational ABC centres and dogs sterilised.
"If this model is followed consistently for five years, over 80% of community dogs across India can be sterilised," Nayak asserted, highlighting the potential for a nationwide solution. Currently, about 150 active dog feeders in Mangaluru are collaborating with MCC officials to turn this plan into reality, marking a significant step in urban animal welfare management.
