The Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) has taken a significant step towards managing the city's stray dog population. Following a green light from the state government, the civic body has initiated a survey to identify suitable land for establishing a dedicated Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre combined with a shelter for stray dogs.
Approval and Location Strategy
The LMC's executive committee has given its in-principle approval to the proposal. Officials have been directed to locate vacant government land, preferably on the outskirts of Lucknow. This strategic placement is intended to house sterilised dogs away from densely populated residential neighbourhoods while ensuring they receive proper care and monitoring.
The initiative is a direct response to directives from the Supreme Court, which mandate the removal, sterilisation, vaccination, and relocation of stray dogs from high-footfall public spaces. These areas include hospitals, bus stations, schools, and marketplaces.
Addressing a Critical Gap in Infrastructure
Dr. Abhinav Verma, the animal welfare officer, confirmed that the process for land allotment has been set in motion. "Once the site is finalised, construction work will begin. The centre will be developed strictly as per prescribed guidelines and standards," he stated.
Verma highlighted that while the corporation is already conducting city-wide vaccination and sterilisation drives and responding to complaints, the absence of an exclusive shelter has been a major limiting factor. "Despite sterilising thousands of dogs, the lack of dedicated space delayed further expansion of the programme," he explained. The new facility is expected to allow the administration to respond more effectively to complaints concerning aggressive or injured dogs.
Boosting Existing ABC Infrastructure
The upcoming shelter will augment Lucknow's current ABC framework. This network notably includes India's first Animal Birth Control Training Centre at Jarhara, which was inaugurated in October 2025. That facility specialises in training veterinarians and handlers in humane sterilisation and animal handling practices.
With Lucknow's stray dog population estimated to be around 1.25 lakh (125,000), officials believe the new shelter is crucial. It is projected to enhance public safety while ensuring full compliance with animal welfare norms outlined in the ABC Rules of 2026.
