NEW DELHI: India’s capital city is launching a campaign to capture, sterilize, and hide thousands of stray dogs that roam its streets in preparation for next month’s G20 summit. The municipal government of New Delhi plans to use nets to trap these canines from various locations, including around boutique hotels and iconic tourist spots like the Red Fort, a 17th-century monument.
With the upcoming G20 summit set to host leaders from the world’s top economies, New Delhi’s authorities are intensifying their efforts. In addition to clearing illegal slums near summit venues and revamping major roads, they are now focusing on addressing the issue of stray dogs, which is a common problem in the city.
More Than 60,000 Stray Dogs Living on New Delhi’s Streets
According to India’s Livestock Census of 2012, there are more than 60,000 stray dogs living on Delhi’s streets. Sterilization campaigns have been used regularly to control the canine population, but packs of dogs still remain in parks and residential areas.
The latest plan involves trapping the strays and transporting them to local animal sterilization centers for further care and feeding until the G20 summit concludes. However, some residents are skeptical about the effectiveness of this approach, as these dogs often return to their original locations after being sterilized.
While many of the strays are beloved by their adopted neighborhoods, they can also pose risks to humans, with aggressive dog packs occasionally mauling young children. India reports roughly 17 million dog bites each year, and the World Health Organization states that nearly 20,000 people in the country die from rabies annually.
Animal rights activists have expressed concern over the relocation plan, fearing that handling and transporting the dogs may agitate them and lead to defensive reactions. Despite the challenges, New Delhi is determined to address the issue of stray dogs in its streets ahead of the high-profile international event.