Dehradun DM Cracks Down on Stray Animals, Orders Comprehensive Survey and Portal-Based Data
Directions to Strengthen ABC-ARV Programme; Mandatory Registration of Pet Dogs Emphasised
Dehradun, September 5, 2026:
The Dehradun district administration has adopted a strict approach towards the management of stray animals and dogs. In compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court and with the objective of strengthening the Animal Birth Control (ABC) and Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV) programme, District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan held a meeting with officials on Saturday.
The District Magistrate directed all urban local bodies to conduct a comprehensive survey of stray dogs and other stray animals, prepare verified and consolidated data, and upload the information on the designated portal.
He said that reliable data would help authorities formulate a systematic strategy for controlling the stray dog population through sterilisation, anti-rabies vaccination and other essential facilities.
Mandatory Registration of Pet Dogs
The DM emphasised the mandatory registration of pet dogs and directed the concerned officials to ensure wider compliance through an awareness and registration drive.
He also instructed officials to expedite the process of identifying land for dog sterilisation and surgical facilities in Doiwala, Vikasnagar and Rishikesh.
Strict Action Against Those Abandoning Cattle on Roads
The District Magistrate directed all urban local bodies to take prompt action for the protection and management of stray cattle found roaming on roads.
He instructed officials to immediately shift stray cattle to cow shelters or kanji houses and ensure proper care, food and treatment.
The DM further ordered that people responsible for abandoning cattle on roads should be identified and subjected to strict punitive action.
55,487 Street Dogs Sterilised in Dehradun
Senior Veterinary Officer Dr. Varun Agrawal informed the meeting that 55,487 street dogs have been sterilised so far in the Dehradun Municipal Corporation area.
At present, 72 dog kennels are operational, while construction of another 144 kennels is underway. Once completed, the additional infrastructure will increase the overall capacity to accommodate around 300 dogs.
The Municipal Corporation has also established 25 feeding spots for stray dogs, while 1,117 licences have been issued for pet dogs so far.
883 Stray Cattle Sheltered in Kanji Houses
For the protection of stray cattle, 347 cattle are currently being cared for at the Kanji House in Kedarpuram. Another 536 cattle are housed at the Kanji House in Shankarpur, Selakui.
Together, the two facilities are currently sheltering 883 stray cattle.
A Quick Response Team (QRT), along with four animal transport vehicles, has also been deployed to safely capture and transport stray animals.
109 Monkeys Rescued and Released into Forests
Officials further informed the meeting that 109 monkeys have been captured and safely released into forest areas in the Dehradun Municipal Corporation region since March 2026.
The District Magistrate directed officials to maintain effective inter-departmental coordination and regular monitoring of stray animal management measures to reduce public inconvenience and the risk of road accidents caused by animals.
Additional District Magistrate (Finance & Revenue) K.K. Mishra, SDM Aparna Dhaundiyal, Senior Veterinary Officer Dr. Varun Agrawal, MNA Vijay Nath Shukla and Executive Officers of all municipal bodies were present at the meeting.
