By| Arvind Jadhav
Mumbai – Following the latest Supreme Court directives on the management of stray dogs, the Mumbai civic administration is grappling with major logistical and infrastructure challenges. With over 90,000 stray dogs currently on city streets and only eight functional shelters, officials admit that implementing the court’s order will require a massive expansion of facilities and workforce.
According to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, all stray dogs must be sterilized, vaccinated, and relocated to designated shelters. The bench, while reviewing rising incidents of dog bites in schools, hospitals, and railway stations, expressed serious concern over administrative lapses and systemic inefficiencies in ensuring public safety.
Operational Challenges in Implementation
Municipal authorities said that the relocation process will be resource-intensive and time-consuming, as existing shelters are already nearing full capacity. The administration is now assessing land availability, manpower requirements, and long-term funding options to comply with the order.
Challeng For BMC
A senior official from BMC stated that “While we support humane animal management, the current infrastructure cannot handle such a large-scale operation. We’ll require significant expansion and trained staff to carry out sterilization and monitoring safely.”
NGO & Activist Response
Animal welfare organizations have welcomed the Supreme Court’s emphasis on sterilization and vaccination but raised concerns about improper shelter conditions and lack of coordination between civic bodies and NGOs.
Adding her voice to the debate, animal rights activist Agnes Shetty called for a balanced, humane, and science-driven approach to managing Mumbai’s stray dog population.
“The Supreme Court’s judgment is a vital reminder that compassion and coexistence must guide our approach to urban animal life.
Stray dogs are not a nuisance — they are victims of poor waste management and inconsistent sterilization efforts. Instead of relocating them, the focus should be on systematic vaccination, sterilization, and education within communities.
Mumbai’s infrastructure for animal care is inadequate, and this gap cannot be filled overnight. What’s needed is strong collaboration between civic bodies, NGOs, and citizens — not conflict or fear.
Every vaccinated and sterilized dog adds to public safety and reduces rabies risk. Humane, science-based action will protect both people and animals. We must create a city where compassion is seen not as charity, but as civic responsibility.
Her remarks reflect a growing sentiment among activists that animal birth control (ABC) programs — rather than mass confinement — are the most effective and ethical long-term solution
Supreme Court’s Broader Directive
The Court directed all state governments and union territories to take coordinated measures to manage stray dog populations humanely while preventing attacks. The bench emphasized creating a safe public environment through proper regulation, monitoring, and community participation.
With growing urban populations and limited infrastructure, the ruling has reignited debate over balancing public safety and animal rights — a challenge that cities like Mumbai must now urgently address.
