Residents and animal lovers in Coimbatore advocate balanced stray dog management

In the wake of the recent Supreme Court directive mandating the removal of stray dogs from public spaces and their relocation to shelters, Coimbatore residents and animal lovers are seeking for a balanced approach, ensuring both public safety and animal welfare.

K. Ambika Devi, a volunteer involved in dog rescue, criticised mass sheltering as a solution. “Relocating large number of dogs will create stress, increase infection risks, and may lead to unnecessary killings. The government’s failure to control (stray dog) population is the real issue. Strict ABC (Animal Birth Control) measures and vaccination drives are more sustainable. While the city has ABC centres, rural areas lack such facilities,” she said.

Shashi Ghulati, founder-convenor of INTACH Coimbatore (1986–2007), urged public figures to contribute to shelters, warning that mere statements of concern are ineffective.

V. Balakrishnan, Cruelty Coordinator of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), suggested promoting adoption drives and encouraging local breeds. He emphasised working with dog rescuers and community feeders to monitor ABC surgeries and expand anti-rabies vaccination. Coordination between civic bodies, NGOs, and volunteers is essential to manage the stray dog population effectively.

K. Kathirmathiyon, secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause, highlighted the need to prioritise human life alongside animal welfare. Citing Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal safety, he stressed that human lives must be protected while managing stray dogs. “If a death happens due to a dog bite, can animal lovers console the family? The ABC centres run by local bodies have largely been ineffective and should be reassessed. Alternative strategies are needed to control the population efficiently,” he said.

The Corporation data shows the city has around 1,11,000 stray dogs, with about 28,000 sterilised and 15,000 vaccinated against rabies. Coimbatore Medical College Hospital alone handled 25,235 dog bite cases in 2023, 19,673 in 2024, and 5,032 cases until April 2025.

Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran said the Supreme Court directive is not being implemented as there are no official orders. On the local body’s initiative, new ABC centres are planned, and existing facilities at Vellalore will be expanded. He said that population control requires sustained effort rather than sudden measures.

A senior official from the Animal Husbandry Department said that expanding ABC centres and vaccination coverage will help address the issue. Four new ABC centres are planned in rural areas of Coimbatore, where such facilities are currently lacking.