Belagavi Grapples with Supreme Court's Stray Dog Relocation Order
The Belagavi district administration faces mounting challenges in executing the Supreme Court's directive to relocate stray dogs to designated care centres. This move has sparked fierce opposition from animal lovers who deem it cruel, while residents of Hirebagewadi are actively resisting the establishment of a dog shelter in their locality.
Rising Dog Bite Incidents Prompt Action
District administration sources reveal alarming statistics. Over the past year, approximately 20,000 dog bite cases have been recorded in Belagavi district. Tragically, these incidents included children, and eight people lost their lives. The Supreme Court's verdict, delivered on November 7, offered hope to many citizens demanding protection from the stray dog menace. The court ordered the removal of stray dogs from public spaces and their transfer to specific rehabilitation centres.
Following this judgment, the Animal Welfare Board of India issued detailed guidelines. The Belagavi district administration promptly began preparations to comply with the order. Hanumant Kongali, a leader of the ruling party in the Belagavi City Corporation, emphasized that the Supreme Court has directed authorities to control the dog problem. He stated that every rural and urban local body, along with Panchayat Raj institutions, must adhere to these guidelines.
Animal Lovers and Residents Voice Strong Opposition
However, not everyone supports this approach. Varun Karkhanis, a passionate animal lover, argues that confining thousands of dogs in a single location is both impractical and inhumane. He suggests an alternative strategy. "Authorities should organize feeding programs in the dogs' existing areas," Karkhanis explained. "If dogs receive regular food, the likelihood of bites decreases significantly. Even if officials decide to centralize them, it would be better not to enclose them within a compound."
Meanwhile, residents of Hirebagewadi are firmly opposing the construction of a dog shelter in their area. The district administration has allocated two acres of land there and commenced building work for the facility.
Administration's Efforts and Plans
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan reported that five meetings have been conducted over the last two months to address this issue. A Dog Rehabilitation Centre is currently under construction on the two-acre plot near Hirebagewadi, funded by a grant of two crore rupees. In the initial phase, the administration has identified 550 institutions under the Belagavi City Corporation's jurisdiction. From these, 2,500 dogs will be relocated to the new centre, with the remaining dogs to be released in subsequent phases.
Roshan also mentioned that two meetings were held specifically with animal lovers. "They requested that the dogs at the rehabilitation centre be treated humanely and be made available for adoption," he said. "We have agreed to these demands. Once the dogs are handed over to an organization, it must ensure the animals do not escape the premises."
The situation remains tense as the district administration balances legal obligations with public sentiment and animal welfare concerns.
