Kamal Ghorui
DEHRADUN: The city is set to get its first municipal dog shelters, with Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) planning two such facilities at Kedar Puram and Shankarpur in Selaqui. “Land for both the sites has been identified, and a detailed project report for the Rs 4-crore plan has been submitted to the urban development directorate,” said Dr Varun Agarwal, senior veterinary doctor associated with DMC.“The move is aimed at addressing the growing stray dog population while improving public safety,” Agarwal said.The two shelters will have the capacity to house over 550 dogs, including stray, abandoned and surrendered animals, with focus on rehabilitation and adoption. At present, such facilities in the city are largely run by private entities.Officials said the initiative follows the Supreme Court guidelines on managing stray dogs in sensitive areas such as schools, hospitals and bus stands.Between 2016 and March 2026, around 54,270 dogs were sterilised within municipal limits, while over 260 govt clinics in the district provide rabies vaccination, officials said.Dehradun currently has 72 kennels — boarding facilities for pets — and the number is expected to rise to 150 within two months.While no recent survey of stray dogs, official figures from 2019 put the number at 34,000, with unofficial estimates closer to 50,000. Officials said the dog population has likely increased since then.Residents said encounters with stray dogs have become more frequent. “They can be particularly dangerous for two-wheeler riders and children. I have seen children being chased,” said Dinesh Kumar, a resident of Mayur Vihar.At Coronation Hospital alone, around 40 dog bite cases are reported every day. “In April so far, 750 dog bite cases have been recorded at the hospital,” said PRO, coronation hospital, Pramod Pawar.Animal welfare groups welcomed the plan but stressed the need for humane implementation. “Shelters should follow Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, with proper veterinary care, hygiene and space, along with CCTV monitoring,” said Rubina Nitin Iyer of People for Animals Uttarakhand.She said the city should also invest in community engagement, designated feeding areas and awareness campaigns to reduce conflict.
