NDMC forced to end ‘illegal’ survey on relocating dogs

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has been forced to withdraw a survey it was conducting to ask people whether they wanted stray dogs rounded up and sent to pounds, after coming under severe criticism for suggesting something which is illegal.

Late last week, the NDMC began sending an SMS to citizens asking them to message their answer to a question on whether stray dogs should be sent to ‘sanctuaries’. This appeared to be part of the NDMC’s ongoing programme to collect citizens’ feedback on what it should include it its proposal for the Smart City challenge.

“Should NDMC relocate stray dogs to sanctuaries? Please send response as NDMC Y11 or NDMC N11 to 9225592255. Regards, Chairman NDMC,” said the message.

The only problem is that relocating dogs is illegal as per the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001. The civic body can, and does, pick up strays to immunise and sterilise them, but has to return them on the same spot they were found in.

After the message began circulating, and beingSHARED by animal welfare groups through social media, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) intervened.

“We wrote to the NDMC on Monday telling them what they are suggesting is completely illegal,” said AWBI chairperson Major General (retd.) Dr. R.M. Kharb.

Sources said the NDMC has withdrawn the survey, though its chairperson Naresh Kumar declined to comment on the issue.

Activists said they were shocked by the civic body’s message, since it runs a ‘successful’ animal birth control programme.

The two NGOs that carry out the sterilisation of dogs for the NDMC – Friendicoes and Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre – said there is no need for relocating dogs.

Ambika Shukla, director of Sanjay Gandhi centre, said, “It was totally illegal and irrelevant. Where would the NDMC set up these so-called sanctuaries? I also received the message and replied no. Hopefully, better sense has prevailed at the NDMC.”

Geeta Seshamani, vice-president of Friendicoes, said the NDMC should concentrate on improving its sterilisation programme.

“If they really want a smart city, they shouldINVEST in infrastructure for the animal birth control programme. The programme is highly successful in controlling dog population,” said Ms. Seshamani. She said the survey would not have led to any valuable insight. “An opinion poll cannot be the basis of upending a successful and scientifically planned policy,” said Ms. Seshamani.