GHMC Spends Crores On Stray Dog Control, But Attacks Continue

Hyderabad, Oct. 2: Stray dog menace remains a growing challenge for the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) despite spending crores of rupees on sterilization, vaccination, and awareness drives.

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Critics allege that while huge funds are allocated every year, the results on the ground remain negligible, putting public safety at risk.

In several incidents over the years, children have lost their lives to dog attacks. The gravity of the issue forced the High Court in 2023 to take suo motu cognizance after a four-year-old boy was mauled to death in Amberpet.

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Yet, little has changed. Activists argue that the Dog Control Act is being ignored, and dangerous or chronically infected dogs are not being handled as per law.

GHMC’s official data suggests that there are around 4 lakh stray dogs within city limits. While the corporation claims that 77 percent of these dogs are sterilized, the figures show glaring gaps. Over Rs. 40 crore has been spent in the last five years on Animal Birth Control (ABC), Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV), and awareness programs. For each dog, GHMC reportedly spends around Rs. 1,500.

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However, complaints tell a different story. More than 50,000 stray dog-related complaints were filed in the GHMC area in five years. Of these, 1.50 lakh dog bite cases were officially registered. In the Kukatpally zone alone, Rs. 8.50 crore was allocated over five years, of which Rs. 6.95 crore was spent. Across other zones, the expenditure has also crossed several crores, yet residents say the menace is only rising.

Lack of survey adds to GHMC stray dog problem:

Adding to the criticism, GHMC does not have accurate figures on the stray dog population. The last major estimation was carried out by Blue Cross in 2023, which put the number at four lakhs. Social groups allege that crores have been disbursed to NGOs for sterilization and vaccination drives, but with little impact on the ground.

Welfare Association leaders argue that the absence of proper surveys and accountability has allowed the problem to worsen. With stray dog attacks continuing across multiple zones, residents demand that GHMC move beyond paperwork and implement effective measures on the ground.

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