The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has instructed NGOs working on canine sterilisation and vaccination to begin removing aggressive stray dogs from sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, government offices, parks, and residential colonies.

The order follows a directive from the Supreme Court, which asked authorities in Delhi-NCR to relocate stray dogs to shelters and report on the creation of such facilities within eight weeks.

According to the MCD circular, NGOs must first pick up “ferocious” or biting-prone dogs from high-risk areas. The animals are to be handed over to nearby Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres, where their presence will be documented through CCTV footage and official records.

Zonal veterinary officers have also been directed to coordinate with NGOs to ensure that every dog picked up is recorded through the 311 mobile application. Daily progress reports from each zone will be submitted to the civic body.

Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) across Delhi have begun identifying stray dogs in their neighbourhoods and sharing details with civic authorities. The United Residents of Delhi (URD) welcomed the move, calling it a step toward ensuring both public safety and animal welfare.

“We just want a solution to the rising number of incidents involving stray dogs. This order will provide relief to residents while making sure the animals are kept in safe shelters,” said Saurabh Gandhi, general secretary of URD.

RWAs have also been asked to report individuals obstructing the relocation process, as well as incidents of dog bites, to the MCD for follow-up action. The collected data is expected to be presented before the Supreme Court as part of compliance with its directions.

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