On 19th December, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government rolled out an accountability driven, statewide action plan to curb the stray dog menace. The Government Order issued by the Urban Development Department laid down time-bound directives for districts, urban local bodies and infrastructure agencies for the management of the stray dog problem in the state. The GO has a clear focus on preventing dog attacks, especially on children, while adhering to animal welfare laws.
District and city heads made directly accountable
The notable aspect of the GO is that it has made district magistrates and municipal commissioners personally responsible for outcomes of the directions on the ground. The order mandates progress reports to be submitted to the Urban Development Department regularly. In case of any lapse, the officials responsible may face action.
Supreme Court backdrop and compliance mandate
The action plan follows directions issued by the Supreme Court of India in the suo motu case titled “City hounded by strays, kids pay price”, where the court flagged rising dog bite incidents and the absence of effective management. In the 7th November order, the court directed the removal of stray dogs from institutions, bus stands, railway stations, sports complexes and hospitals. The GO has directed state officials to strictly adhere to the apex court’s order and has also incorporated observations made by the court-appointed Amicus Curiae.
High risk zones and highway action
Highways, expressways, schools, hospitals, bus stands, railway stations and sports complexes have been identified as priority zones. The state government has directed officials to systematically remove stray dogs from national and state highways in coordination with NHAI, PED, UPEIDA and transport authorities. As per the directions of the Supreme Court, the state has asked officials to create 24-hour patrol teams and deploy public helpline numbers. The animals must be shifted to designated shelters and not released back.
Mandatory safeguards for public institutions
All government and private schools, hospitals and sports facilities must install proper fencing, deploy security staff and appoint nodal officers, whose details will be displayed publicly. Any stray dogs found inside these premises will be humanely captured, sterilised, vaccinated and relocated.
Animal birth control and health preparedness
Furthermore, the government has asked to ensure that Animal Birth Control centres are functioning at full capacity under the ABC Rules, 2023. If any district does not have the required facilities, new centres will be established with budget support. The Health Department has been instructed to ensure uninterrupted supply of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulins. Also, dog bite cases must be tracked separately for pet and stray dogs.
Monitoring and reporting
The GO stated that a state-level Animal Birth Control Monitoring Committee will conduct inspections. Departments are required to submit detailed compliance reports on infrastructure, personnel and safety measures by 26th December 2025.
OpIndia is doing a series on the stray dog menace in India which can be checked here.
