As incidents of dog bites continue to rise and growing numbers of residents fear attacks by stray dogs on roads and in residential areas, a key measure to control the street dog population has come to a standstill. The dog sterilisation programme, considered one of the first and most important steps to tackle the menace, has remained stalled in the city for nearly three months. With the programme on hold, fears are growing over public safety and the worsening stray dog problem.

 

‘The Hitavada’ had previously highlighted the issue of the street dog threat on May 24, 2026, and at the time, an official from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) had explained that three agencies had been carrying out Animal Birth Control (ABC) operations for the NMC, but their contracts had expired on March 31, 2026. “Fresh tenders have since been floated, wherein five agencies have now undergone all required formalities and scrutiny, and have been finalised. We have also obtained the signature from the Municipal Commissioner. “However, due to the Model Code of Conduct that had been implememted during the recent Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) biennial elections, the tenders have not been approved by the House as of now.

 

When these bills are tabled, and the necessary formalities carried out, we will direct the agencies to resume operations immediately,” Dr Sunny Magar, Veterinary Officer, NMC, explained. He said the operations may resume in July 2026. Surbhi Lalwani, an animal activist, expressed frustration over the problem, “People are upset about dog population, territorial behaviour, and increasing street animal conflict, but we have to understand that dogs cannot sterlize themselves. During the period before and during monsoon, dog breeding activity and the likelihood of new litters may increase in many areas, so the sterlization should already be active. Moreover, there is absolutely no need to create fear in the minds of society, elders and children especially about the community dogs. This land belongs to them as it belongs to the humans.”