Delhi Intensifies Stray Dog Management Near Red Fort Ahead of Independence Day

Delhi stray dog control measures intensified near Red Fort ahead of Independence Day. The MCD captured around 700 dogs and plans phase-wise removal drives, shelters, and a helpline. Officials captured around 700 dogs in the area. They plan to expand the operation citywide and aim to capture at least 1,000 dogs from each zone in the coming weeks.

Phase-Wise Removal Drive

The MCD follows a Supreme Court directive to focus on aggressive or diseased dogs. First, officials target high-risk zones like Shahdara and Bhajanpura in East Delhi. Then, they will extend the drive to other areas after Independence Day. This phased approach helps the teams work efficiently while covering the entire city.

Public Awareness and Community Participation

The MCD has also launched a public awareness campaign to educate residents about stray dog safety. Officials encourage people to report aggressive or sick dogs through the new helpline. They also ask citizens not to feed stray dogs near high-traffic areas to reduce risks. In addition, community volunteers participate in the drive by guiding officials and monitoring stray dog movements.

Shelters and Helpline

The MCD uses unused municipal properties to create dedicated dog shelters. They also plan a helpline for reporting dog bites and rabies cases. Teams will respond within four hours to pick up dogs and perform sterilization.

Supreme Court Directive

The Supreme Court orders authorities to remove, sterilize, and shelter stray dogs permanently. Officials must capture 5,000 dogs from high-risk areas within 6–8 weeks. They must equip shelters with staff and CCTV cameras. Importantly, authorities cannot release the captured dogs back to the streets.

Public Response

Activists and residents have protested the order. They claim it conflicts with existing Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules. In addition, they report poor conditions at some ABC centers. Protests occurred near Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place and India Gate, and police briefly detained several demonstrators.

Investigations show some MCD sterilization centers remain overcrowded and poorly maintained. Officials must improve infrastructure to handle the increased number of dogs.