Gurugram: The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has unveiled a comprehensive set of guidelines to manage stray dogs in the city, following a Supreme Court order issued on August 11. The initiative aims to improve public safety, reduce dog-related incidents, and maintain a humane approach to animal welfare in urban areas.
Under the new framework, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and society management committees will play a key role in caring for community animals. Designated feeding stations for stray dogs must be located away from crowded areas, children’s playgrounds, staircases, and main entrances. Feeding is to be carried out at fixed times to avoid disturbing children and senior citizens.
MCG to establish Animal Welfare Committee
To resolve disputes and oversee the programme, the MCG will establish an Animal Welfare Committee. The panel will include the chief veterinary officer, a police representative, members from the SPCA or state board, a recognised animal welfare organisation, a local authority veterinarian, the complainant, and a representative from the concerned RWA.
Residents have largely welcomed the move, calling for timely implementation. In Sector 45, the Greenwoods C Block RWA has already requested permission to construct a designated feeding point, while animal welfare advocates in Sushant Lok emphasised the importance of RWAs taking their new responsibilities seriously and the MCG ensuring strict compliance.
The guidelines state that dogs will only be returned to the streets after sterilisation by MCG authorities. Aggressive dogs will be kept in separate enclosures and will not be released back into the community.
Two dog shelters ready for operations
Two dog shelters in Begumpur Khatola and Basai are ready to begin operations under MCG management. A tender for a third shelter is scheduled to open on October 13, with the civic body optimistic about attracting suitable agencies to manage it.
The guidelines also make it clear that any obstruction to their implementation will invite action. Citizens wishing to adopt stray dogs can apply at the MCG’s chief medical officer’s office in Sector 39. Adopted dogs will be tagged before handover to ensure responsible care and prevent them from returning to the streets.