Gurgaon, a busy city in Haryana, is struggling with a serious stray dog issue. The Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) has started measures after a Supreme Court order to move dogs into shelters. This Gurgaon challenge with dogs highlights the lack of proper facilities and the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
The MCG operates two Animal Birth Control (ABC) centers in Baliawas and Kherki Majra. Through partnerships with NGOs, these centers sterilized and vaccinated over 20,000 dogs in 2025. Joint Commissioner Preetpal Singh confirmed the numbers and stressed the importance of these efforts.
However, the city still faces major limitations. Gurgaon has no dedicated shelters, so treated dogs return to their original locations. With only two dog-catching vans, resources are scarce. In contrast, Panchkula runs a kennel house for 1,000 dogs, exposing Gurgaon’s shortage of infrastructure.
To close these gaps, the MCG plans to identify land and buildings for new centers. Officials aim to increase monthly sterilizations and vaccinations from 300 to 1,200. Two additional ABC centers are in the pipeline, one in each city zone. Singh admitted that the current centers are too small and lack the amenities required for shelters.
Meanwhile, safety remains a pressing issue. Between January and May this year, Gurgaon recorded 2,165 stray dog bites. In addition, there were 404 pet dog bites and 125 cat bites. Although cases fell slightly in 2024 compared to 2023, the numbers still reveal serious risks to public health.
Community voices are also calling for broader action. Sudhir Sachdeva, founder of Stand for Animals, said his NGO feeds over 1,000 dogs daily. It also ensures around 300 neuterings and up to 3,000 vaccinations each year. He argued that MCG’s expansion plans alone cannot solve the crisis. Instead, care, feeding, and vaccination are equally vital to reduce rabies, aggression, and hunger.
In conclusion, the path forward demands urgency and cooperation. The MCG must balance the Supreme Court’s directive with immediate safety concerns. Expanding ABC centers, improving infrastructure, and working closely with NGOs will be essential to address the Gurgaon challenge with dogs effectively and sustainably.
