Delhi Dog Committee Meeting: Innovative Measures Proposed to Control Stray Dog Population

New Delhi: In a bid to control the growing stray dog population, the Dog Committee has recommended the establishment of sterilization centers and feeding zones in every ward.

Ward-Level Centers and Feeding Zones
During the meeting, committee members, along with Education Committee Chair Yogesh Verma, expressed concern over the rapid increase in stray dogs despite ongoing sterilization efforts. They emphasized the need for a system-wide approach to effectively manage the population.

The six-member committee proposed that:

• Each ward should have a sterilization center.
• Designated feeding zones should be established in every ward.
• Veterinary officers and sanitary inspectors should be empowered to penalize individuals who feed dogs outside authorized zones, violate MCD guidelines, or hinder operations.

Additional Measures Proposed
The committee suggested a six-month ward-level sterilization and vaccination plan, deployment of two additional mobile vans per zone, and formal MoUs with the Animal Husbandry Department and recognized NGOs. Daily reporting mechanisms were also recommended to monitor progress.

Scientific Approach for Feeding Points
To regulate feeding scientifically, the committee recommended placing feeding zones in parks, open areas, and municipal land while prohibiting feeding near schools, hospitals, markets, and busy streets. Installation of information boards and CCTV cameras at these locations was also proposed to ensure compliance and safety.