Even after the Supreme Court’s deadline passed, the Greater Chennai Corporation faces challenges in relocating stray dogs due to a lack of shelters. The court had instructed civic bodies to clear public areas of stray dogs to address safety concerns. In response, the GCC offered financial incentives, but NGOs are hesitant due to space and infrastructure limitations.
The Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board listed eight approved NGOs, all operating at full capacity. Discussions are ongoing with organizations, but space constraints persist. Limited action has been taken, with only 40 dogs removed from the Madras High Court premises recently.
To tackle the space shortage, the GCC plans to construct two shelters in Madhavaram and Velachery, each capable of housing up to 250 dogs. The facilities will cater to animals with health issues or aggressive behavior. Delays in this initiative have drawn criticism from residents, citing ongoing safety risks.
Local welfare groups express concerns about stray dogs near schools and health centers, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the public safety issue. With the city yet to start a promised survey on the stray dog population, questions arise about Chennai’s readiness to manage this challenge effectively.
