August 19,Shimla
The increasing number of stray dogs along the Dhali Tunnel-Churat Nala stretch has raised concerns over the safety of pedestrians, particularly school-going children who regularly use the route.
Amita Sood, state women president of the Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha Trust, has urged the Shimla Municipal Corporation and the Animal Husbandry Department to conduct an immediate inspection of the area and take sustained measures to address the issue.
According to Sood, around 10-15 stray dogs are frequently seen roaming and forming groups along the route. The presence of the dogs has reportedly caused fear and inconvenience among residents and pedestrians. Students of Sacred Heart School also use the stretch while travelling to and from school, making the issue particularly sensitive.
She said some of the dogs were also seen fighting among themselves, with a few sustaining injuries. The lack of timely veterinary care for injured or sick animals, she added, could pose concerns for both animal welfare and public health.
Sood said temporary removal or relocation of stray dogs would not provide a lasting solution and called for a systematic Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, along with sterilisation, vaccination and veterinary treatment.
She has requested the authorities to survey the entire stretch, sterilise stray dogs under the applicable ABC programme, provide medical treatment to injured and sick animals, ensure vaccination and take action against aggressive dogs strictly in accordance with applicable rules.
She also sought regular monitoring and a sustained sterilisation programme to prevent further growth of the stray dog population.
“This is not merely an issue concerning stray animals; it is also a matter of public safety and animal welfare. Preventive action should be taken before an unfortunate incident occurs, particularly involving a school-going child,” Sood said.
She added that she could not take photographs of the dogs due to personal reasons but said the concerned officials and field staff could visit the area and independently verify the situation.
The representation has urged the authorities to take immediate cognisance of the matter and ensure a long-term solution to enable residents, pedestrians and schoolchildren to travel safely along the route.
