A mind-boggling session to resolve the ongoing dispute between administration and dog lovers brought to the fore many innovative ideas, which are likely to help curb the ‘man-dog conflict’ on the city streets. A co-ordination meeting on the issue of stray dogs was held at the Nagpur Police Commissioner’s office on Saturday. The meeting was chaired by Dr Ravinder Singal, Commissioner of Police, in presence of Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari, Municipal Commissioner and Administrator. The meeting was also attended by officials from various departments, veterinarians, representatives of animal welfare organisations, dog lovers, and vigilant citizens. The discussion was held following directives from the Supreme Court of India and the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court on pending matters relating to stray dog management. During the meeting, animal rights activist and member of People For Animals (PFA) Karishma Galani proposed to implement the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme in city properly as it is functioning with many loopholes.

 

“Existing three centres are not operating as per the guidelines and the administration should take a note of such malfunctioning,” said Galani. The PFA member emphasised that dog-feeders must be registered, helpline numbers be launched, and complaints of cruelty to animals must be promptly registered by police. Galani pointed out that though the city has 11 ambulances for strays, they are not functioning effectively.

 

 Smita Mire, of Save Speechless Organisation, raised the question over sterilisation surgeries taken place so far and highlighted the gap in effective monitoring. Dr Ajay Poharkar, President, Veterinary Council, informed the meeting that between 5,000 and 7,000 stray dogs had been vaccinated in Nagpur city last year. He noted that Maharashtra recorded 14 rabies-related deaths in 2024, while the figure across India was 54. The meeting also discussed permanent vaccination and treatment centres for strays, strict enforcement of ABC guidelines, and registration of dog-feeders. Recent incidents of attacks on children and citizens also were reviewed, with participants calling for humane but firm measures to ensure public safety. The session concluded with an appeal for strong co-ordination between civic authorities, police, veterinarians, and social organisations to implement the action plan effectively. Allot feeding spots in city for stray dogs A major suggestion in the meeting was made about the need for feeding spots for the stray dogs. Currently, there are only three designated spots in city and all are in Sonegaon area. The three spots are Pragati Complex, Manish Layout, and Parate Nagar. For the sheer size of stray dogs in the city, these spots seems very limited. Some citizens concerned pointed out more need for feeding spots in city, which could result in curbing the issue of hungry dogs being a menace. NMC considered the demand. Soon the civic body will take a decision on this suggestion. 

 

 

A vigilant citizen suggested an initiative that could help curbing the issue of stray dog menace. The suggestion was of implementing feeders to every designated area. Every area across the city should have at least one feeder who looks after the feedings of the dogs and also their medications, vaccines and other measures to take care of the dogs. 

 

 

 

Smita Mire raised the question of how many sterilisation surgeries have actually been performed, highlighting the gap in effective monitoring. She further stated that the condition of the NMC run Bhandewadi dog shelter is well known for the mistreatment of the animals. There have been many reported cases of dogs died after just two-three days of admitting them into the shelter, while some have ran off to their previous place again.

 

 

Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari confirmed that the tender for the new dog shelter has been approved and the work will begin soon. Dr Singal expressed his satisfaction with the response this meeting got and has assured more meetings to follow.