MCD plans to end stray dogs’ terror, 75% of canines sterilized: Officials

The MCD is considering setting up stray dog shelters amid an increase in dog bite incidents here, officials said on Wednesday and noted that 75 per cent of the canines have been immunised against rabies and sterilised.
A proposal in this regard is in the nascent stage but several meetings are underway. The aim is to ensure 100 per cent sterilisation of stray dogs in the city, the official of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) asserted.
After being sterilised and immunised against rabies, the canines are released in the same area from where they had been picked up, the official said.
“There has been an increase in dog bite incidents in the national capital in the past six months. People are very upset with the menace of dogs. We are looking into preparing a policy in this regard. We have held several meetings and are considering building shelters for these dogs,” said the official.
However, the plan is being opposed by some “animal lovers”, according to another MCD official.
“There is opposition to the plan but we are hopeful that we would be able to find a way to end the menace of stray dogs,” he added.
As per the data provided by the MCD, the civic authorities sterilised nearly 7,000 stray dogs in January and February and more dogs are being picked up daily for sterilisation and then released back to the same area.