The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has made sluggish progress on several commitments made to the Supreme Court to curb the city's stray dog population and reduce human-animal conflict. MCD was among the first civic bodies in India to submit an affidavit in October 2025, detailing measures to tackle the problem.
Key Promises and Delays
A major commitment was the establishment of a dog shelter in Sector 29, Dwarka, to house aggressive dogs. Despite visits by MCD officials, no work has started at the identified site. The proposed shelter, on a 2.5-acre plot where an animal birth control (ABC) centre operates, is expected to house over 1,500 dogs. The public health department has approved funding, but implementation awaits the engineering department to float a tender. Construction may take at least five months.
MCD also promised to set up dog-feeding points. While 735 points were identified, only 28 signage boards have been installed so far.
Sterilization Programme Expansion
To scale up sterilization, MCD proposed constructing additional kennels at five ABC centres. At the Bijwasan centre run by Friendicoes SECA, construction of 14 additional kennels has started, increasing capacity from 550-600 dogs to accommodate 550 more, enabling sterilization of over 1,000 dogs per month. Work is expected to be completed within a month.
At the Bela Road centre, kennel construction began only last week and may take three to four months to become operational.
Microchipping Project Lags
No significant progress has been reported on a microchipping project for strays, aimed at creating a database of sterilized and vaccinated dogs. The veterinary department plans to initiate tendering in the current financial year, with Rs 20 crore allocated. Earlier funds were largely restricted to sterilization drives.
MCD currently operates 20 sterilization centres, 13 run by eight NGOs. The remaining seven lack certification from the Animal Welfare Board of India, necessary to verify service quality and staffing.
Comparison with NDMC
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has set up a dedicated shelter for aggressive dogs at its veterinary hospital in Moti Bagh, housing up to 30 dogs. Kennels have been built, with plans for expansion. NDMC has also earmarked 100 designated feeding points across 14 circles.
Court Orders and Implementation
Acting on Supreme Court directions, officials noted that the court's order against filing criminal cases or FIRs against officials and dog catchers carrying out removal orders would help conduct sterilization drives more effectively. The court has ordered strict contempt action against those obstructing municipal operations, addressing instances of hostility faced by staff.
