Agartala: The Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) has announced an ambitious plan to relocate nearly 1,200 stray dogs into specialised shelter homes, in line with Supreme Court directives on humane animal management.The initiative comes as a response to growing public concerns about citizen safety and the well-being of street animals, which has become a pressing issue in Agartala in recent times.Mayor Dipak Majumder acknowledged the SC’s proactive role, in collaboration with the Animal Welfare Board of India, in formulating detailed guidelines for managing stray dogs. These guidelines emphasise the dual responsibility of urban local bodies like AMC, ensuring compassionate treatment of the animals while simultaneously addressing public safety needs.The mayor emphasised the municipal corporation’s responsibilities. The civic body has introduced a comprehensive welfare plan focusing on the sustainable and humane treatment of stray dogs. This multi-layered initiative includes relocating street dogs to dedicated shelter homes designed to meet their needs, organising regular sensitisation workshops to promote coexistence among residents, and launching mass vaccination drives to prevent rabies and other diseases.There will be structured behaviour management programmes aimed at minimising conflicts, the implementation of scientifically approved birth control surgeries to manage their population, and a robust awareness campaign across all wards in the city, Majumder said.He underscored a strong commitment to safeguarding the dignity and survival needs of these animals. He stressed that measures would be taken to ensure that no dog endures harassment, abuse, or a lack of adequate food.“One of the most crucial aspects of this ambitious plan involves building a specialised shelter home dedicated solely to street dogs. Discussions and planning for this facility have already gained significant momentum as authorities seek to translate this vision into immediate action,” Majumder added.A recent survey counted over 1,200 stray dogs across Agartala, with occasional bite incidents causing unease among residents. Acknowledging these challenges, Majumder reassured citizens that the civic body will work closely with stakeholders to implement the Supreme Court’s guidelines diligently.He stressed that no dog should face harassment, abuse, or lack of food, underscoring AMC’s commitment to balancing citizen safety with animal welfare. Through these measures, Agartala aims to set a model for humane urban animal management that protects both human and animal interests.
