Stray dog directive proves challenging for GVMC

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is finding it difficult to enforce the Supreme Court’s November 7 order directing the removal and relocation of stray dogs from schools, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands, depots, and railway stations.

Following the directive, the GVMC’s Public Health Department conducted a survey that estimated the city’s stray dog population at nearly two lakh (200,000). The survey also identified institutions that must be maintained as dog-free zones.

City Veterinary Officer Raja Ravi Kumar said 1,362 such institutions have been listed. “Zonal commissioners have been asked to issue notices advising these institutions to install fencing or build compound walls,” he said. The corporation has also asked officials to identify land for dog shelters. An initial report has been sent to the Municipal Administration and Urban Development departments seeking additional staff for dog-catching work and Animal Birth Control (ABC) procedures.

Animal welfare groups have questioned how practical these measures are. Visakhapatnam Society for Protection and Care of Animals founder-president, Pradeep Nath, said the corporation lacks a functional ABC programme and trained dog-catchers. He added that shelter management and quarantine facilities are also insufficient. He suggested forming a monitoring committee to oversee catching, sterilisation, and vaccination.

Private educational institutions and hospitals have also voiced concerns, saying the requirement to install fencing or compound walls is unreasonable.