Maharashtra government directs all urban local bodies to keep sterilised, vaccinated stray dogs away from schools, hospitals, airports and other crowded public places, while setting up feeding zones and helplines for complaints.

Key Takeaways (मुख्य बिंदु)

  • Do not release sterilised stray dogs near schools, hospitals, airports and similar sensitive locations
  • Capture, sterilise, vaccinate and house stray dogs in designated shelters
  • Rabid, terminally ill or extremely aggressive dogs may be euthanised after veterinary consultation

The Maharashtra state government, through its Urban Development Department, has issued a comprehensive resolution compelling municipal corporations, councils and nagar panchayats to enforce stricter stray‑dog control measures. The move aligns with periodic directives from the Supreme Court’s suo moto proceedings on the issue of stray dogs.

Core Directives

All civic bodies are now mandated to capture stray dogs, subject them to sterilisation, vaccination and de‑worming, and relocate them to government‑approved shelters. They must also identify and maintain specific feeding zones, while prohibiting the release of any sterilised or vaccinated dogs in "protected and access‑controlled" areas such as schools, hospitals, airports, bus terminals, railway stations and sports complexes.

Legal and Health Safeguards

The resolution explicitly states that rabid, terminally ill or highly aggressive dogs may be "euthanised after consultation with veterinary experts," in compliance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. Moreover, every public health centre and hospital must maintain adequate stocks of anti‑rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin to ensure prompt post‑bite treatment.

Implementation Strategy

To enhance the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, the state has instructed local bodies to strengthen existing sterilisation and vaccination centres, create additional infrastructure where gaps exist, and expand capacity based on stray‑dog density and geographic spread. Officials are also required to launch large‑scale public‑awareness campaigns outlining preventive steps after dog bites.

Accountability and Future Outlook

Any official who deliberately flouts Supreme Court directives may face contempt of court proceedings. Conversely, officials acting in good faith are granted legal protection, provided there is no evidence of mal‑afide conduct. If effectively executed, this policy could serve as a template for other Indian states grappling with stray‑dog challenges while safeguarding public health.