Mumbai's dog population poses logistical challenge after SC's shelter order
What's the story
Mumbai is grappling with a major logistical issue after the Supreme Court ordered the relocation of stray dogs to designated shelters. The city has over 90,000 stray dogs but only eight shelters. The court's order comes in light of an "alarming rise" in dog bite incidents at public and institutional places such as schools and hospitals.
Court's order
SC highlights administrative indifference, systemic failure
The Supreme Court observed that the recurrence of dog bite incidents indicates "administrative indifference" and a "systemic failure" to keep these premises safe. The court has directed states and Union Territories to take necessary steps to address these issues. In Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been running an Animal Birth Control (ABC) program since 1984, focusing on sterilization and vaccination of strays.
Population control
Civic census and shelter capacity
According to a civic census 11 years ago, there were at least 95,752 stray dogs in Mumbai. The number has now dropped by around 5,000 due to the BMC's efforts. However, with only eight shelters in the city, most of which are at full capacity, the SC's directive will require significant expansion of these facilities and manpower.
Relocation hurdles
Need for additional shelters and manpower
Civic officials estimate that to comply with the court's order, shelters would have to accommodate at least 40,000 dogs. This includes those near educational institutions and public spaces. According to Times Now, a senior BMC official said, "The SC directive says first sterilize the dogs before shifting them to a shelter, where they will be required to appoint dog handlers and veterinarians."
Activist concerns
Animal rights activists slam court's impractical directive
Animal welfare activists have slammed the SC's directive as impractical and inhumane. RAWW founder advocate Pawan Sharma was quoted as saying, "Removing community dogs will only provide a temporary fix." He argued that confining healthy strays to shelters would harm their well-being. Reshma Shelatkar, an animal rights activist with over 200 animals under her care, called the court's order "illogical and disheartening."