Minister Sanjeev Arora directs MC Commissioners to act on tray dog menace within 7 days
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 1, 2026: Punjab Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora has directed Municipal Corporation Commissioners and Additional Deputy Commissioners (G&UD) to take immediate and coordinated action to tackle the growing stray dog menace across the state.
Terming the issue a serious public safety and health concern, the Minister said rising incidents of dog bites, attacks on children and elderly persons, and aggressive stray packs have created fear among residents in urban and semi-urban areas.
He warned that the problem also poses a significant health risk, with dog bites potentially leading to life-threatening diseases such as rabies. Complaints of stray dogs chasing pedestrians, two-wheeler riders and schoolchildren—often resulting in accidents—have been increasing, he noted.
Highlighting the root causes, Arora pointed to unchecked population growth due to inadequate sterilisation and poor waste management. Open garbage and food waste in public spaces, he said, are fuelling the proliferation of stray dogs.
Issuing a clear action plan, the Minister directed authorities to scale up sterilisation drives, launch mass anti-rabies vaccination campaigns, strengthen shelters for aggressive or injured animals, and improve solid waste management systems. He also called for the formation of dedicated monitoring teams at district and city levels to ensure accountability.
Additionally, public awareness campaigns will be rolled out to promote safe behaviour around stray animals and responsible waste disposal.
The Minister stressed that all measures must comply with animal welfare norms while prioritising public safety. He instructed officials to implement the directives on a war footing and submit a detailed action-taken report within seven days.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Arora said Punjab aims to create safer and cleaner urban spaces, warning that any laxity in addressing the issue will not be tolerated.