GHMC Begins Stray Dog Relocation After SC Order

Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) on Saturday started relocating stray dogs in line with the Supreme Court’s latest directions. On the first day of the drive, 277 dogs were captured and transported to GHMC Animal Care Centers for neutering, vaccination and management.

The Supreme Court on November 7 directed civic bodies to remove stray dogs from public places such as educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes and transport hubs. Acting on the instruction, GHMC launched an operation across the city, starting from public hospitals.

Veterinary wing officials are chalking out plans to house the animals, but space still remains a major challenge as there are only five animal care shelters in the city. GHMC commissioner RV Karnan held a virtual meeting with veterinary officials to review the practice. Instructions have been issued to complete the relocation and ensure compliance with the court order.

Previously, neutered dogs were released at the same spot, and billing software was designed to prevent releases beyond a 150-foot radius. This practice will now change for designated institutional areas, officials said. Dogs will no longer be returned to these facilities after being sterilized. The campaign will soon cover private hospitals, schools, colleges and transport hubs in accordance with court directives.

The Supreme Court took up the issue after the increase in dog bite cases in public institutions and decided that such dogs should be moved to designated shelters for public safety.