SC norms on strays see little progress in Panchkula after 6 months

Panchkula: More than six months after the Supreme Court issued directions to tackle the growing stray dog menace, the Panchkula municipal corporation continues to lag in implementing key guidelines on the ground.

As per apex court directions passed last year, civic bodies were required to remove stray dogs from sensitive institutions such as hospitals, schools, colleges and parks, identify designated dog-feeding points, and initiate a systematic mechanism to catch and isolate aggressive dogs. However, there has been little visible progress so far.

The civic body had earlier floated tenders to hire an agency to lift aggressive dogs but failed to find any, and no sustained campaign has been carried out to address the issue. Residents point out that in several localities, the same dogs have bitten multiple people but continue to roam freely, creating fear.

The court had also stated that only sterilised and immunised dogs should be released back into their territories, while rabid or dangerously aggressive dogs should be quarantined or shifted to shelters. These measures, too, remain largely unimplemented.

On identifying feeding points, the MC is still awaiting suggestions from Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), delaying the process. In contrast, Chandigarh MC has identified such zones on its own, while Panchkula residents allege lack of urgency on the part of the civic body.

Another key directive—removal of stray dogs from institutional premises—has also seen limited compliance. Dogs continue to roam freely in hospitals, parks, colleges and other public institutions, posing a threat to visitors and adding to nuisance.

“Residents are facing serious problems. Many fear stepping out even for walks in their neighbourhoods. The MC should not wait for RWAs to decide feeding zones. Even the sterilisation programme is not being implemented properly,” said Rakesh Agarwal of Panchkula Vikas Manch.

A senior MC official, requesting anonymity, said, “We have started picking dogs from institutional areas. We had asked RWAs to suggest feeding zones, but only a few have responded. If we decide locations ourselves, objections may follow. No sustained drive against aggressive dogs has been possible so far.”

Panchkula district recorded 14,230 dog-bite cases in 2025, the highest in three years. The number stood at 10,875 in 2024 and 10,161 in 2023, indicating a rising trend.

SC directions: Largely unimplemented after 6 months

Aggressive dog drive: No agency finalised; no sustained campaign

Feeding zones: Awaiting RWA inputs

Institutional areas: Strays still freely roaming

Dog bites (2025): 14,230 (highest in 3 years)

Dog bites (2024): 10,875

Dog bites (2023): 10,161