Shashi Tharoor Advocates Direct Funding for Stray Dog Management to NGOs
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has called for a reevaluation of funding for stray dog management, advocating for direct allocation to reputable NGOs instead of local municipalities. He argues that local bodies often fail to utilize funds effectively for sterilization and shelter efforts. Tharoor emphasizes the need for a balance between public safety and humane treatment of animals, especially following a Supreme Court ruling addressing the rise in dog bite incidents. The court has mandated the establishment of shelters for thousands of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR, warning against any obstruction to these efforts. This proposal aims to enhance the effectiveness of animal welfare initiatives.
| Aug 13, 2025, 17:05 IST
Call for Rethinking Stray Dog Management Funding
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has urged a reassessment of how funds allocated for managing stray dogs are utilized, suggesting that these resources should be directed to reputable animal welfare organizations instead of local municipalities. In a post on X, Tharoor emphasized that the issue lies not in a lack of resources but in the reluctance or inability of local bodies to effectively implement sterilization and shelter initiatives, even when they receive the necessary funding. He pointed out that such allocations often go unspent or are not utilized where they are most needed.
Instead, he proposed that these funds be granted to non-governmental organizations and animal welfare groups that have a proven track record in operating shelters and implementing Animal Birth Control (ABC) programs. His argument was that these organizations are better positioned to deliver effective results.
Tharoor highlighted the importance of balancing public safety with humane treatment of dogs, attributing the Supreme Court's recent intervention to understandable frustration over the inaction of municipal authorities. His comments followed the Supreme Court's declaration on August 11, which described the rise in dog bite incidents as a serious issue and ordered the swift and permanent relocation of all stray dogs in the Delhi-NCR region.
The bench, comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, also instructed Delhi officials to establish shelters for approximately 5,000 dogs within six to eight weeks, with a phased expansion plan. The court warned that any obstruction to the rehabilitation efforts could lead to contempt proceedings against individuals or organizations involved.