Dehradun is set to establish its first municipal dog shelters, with the Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) planning two facilities at Kedar Puram and Shankarpur in Selaqui. The initiative aims to address the growing stray dog population while improving public safety, according to officials.
Project Details and Capacity
Land for both sites has been identified, and a detailed project report for the Rs 4-crore plan has been submitted to the urban development directorate, said Dr Varun Agarwal, senior veterinary doctor associated with DMC. The two shelters will have the capacity to house over 550 dogs, including stray, abandoned, and surrendered animals, with a focus on rehabilitation and adoption. Currently, such facilities in the city are largely run by private entities.
Background and Guidelines
Officials stated that the initiative follows Supreme Court guidelines on managing stray dogs in sensitive areas such as schools, hospitals, and bus stands. Between 2016 and March 2026, around 54,270 dogs were sterilized within municipal limits, while over 260 government clinics in the district provide rabies vaccination.
Dehradun currently has 72 kennels—boarding facilities for pets—and the number is expected to rise to 150 within two months. While no recent survey of stray dogs exists, official figures from 2019 put the number at 34,000, with unofficial estimates closer to 50,000. Officials believe the dog population has likely increased since then.
Public Concerns
Residents reported that encounters with stray dogs have become more frequent. “They can be particularly dangerous for two-wheeler riders and children. I have seen children being chased,” said Dinesh Kumar, a resident of Mayur Vihar. At Coronation Hospital alone, around 40 dog bite cases are reported every day. “In April so far, 750 dog bite cases have been recorded at the hospital,” said Pramod Pawar, PRO of Coronation Hospital.
Animal Welfare Perspective
Animal welfare groups welcomed the plan but stressed the need for humane implementation. “Shelters should follow Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, with proper veterinary care, hygiene and space, along with CCTV monitoring,” said Rubina Nitin Iyer of People for Animals Uttarakhand. She added that the city should also invest in community engagement, designated feeding areas, and awareness campaigns to reduce human-animal conflict.
