By Tripura24 News Desk | Agartala Thursday, January 29, 2026
AGARTALA: In a landmark move to enhance public safety and animal welfare, the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) has decided to implement a comprehensive relocation and sheltering policy for stray dogs within the city limits. This decision follows a high-level meeting held today at the AMC Conference Hall, chaired by Mayor Dipak Majumder, to discuss the implementation of recent Supreme Court directives regarding the stray dog menace.
High-Level Coordination for City Safety
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including:
- Shri Saju Vaheed, Municipal Commissioner, AMC.
- Senior officials from the Animal Resources Development Department (ARDD).
- Members of the Mayor-in-Council and ward corporators.
The primary agenda was to align the city’s urban management with the apex court’s ruling, which mandates that urban local bodies must protect citizens from the rising threat of dog bites while ensuring the humane treatment of animals.
The Relocation & Shelter Plan
Addressing the media after the session, Mayor Dipak Majumder revealed that a recent census estimates there are approximately 1,200 stray dogs roaming the streets of Agartala.
“We are witnessing a frequent increase in dog-bite incidents, causing panic among city dwellers. The Supreme Court has been very clear—stray dogs should not be left on the streets, and a specific timeframe has been set for states to act. Consequently, Agartala is initiating a move to shift these dogs to dedicated shelter houses,” Mayor Majumder stated.
Key highlights of the AMC’s action plan:
- Shelter Infrastructure: The AMC will establish/utilize shelter houses where the captured dogs will be provided with food, water, medical care, and proper maintenance.
- Non-Release Policy: In line with the court’s safety guidelines, aggressive dogs or those removed from sensitive institutional areas will not be released back onto the streets.
- Sterilization & Vaccination: The ARDD will work alongside the AMC to intensify the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program and anti-rabies vaccinations to stabilize the canine population.
Ward-Level Awareness Campaigns
The Mayor emphasized that the success of this mission requires community participation. Starting next week, the AMC will launch intensive awareness drives in every ward. These campaigns will focus on:
- Educating residents on how to report aggressive dogs.
- Guidelines for “dog lovers” and feeders to ensure their actions do not create public safety hazards.
- Promoting the humane treatment of animals to prevent any form of cruelty during the relocation process.
Judicial Context
The Supreme Court of India recently took a stern view of the “alarming rise” in dog-bite cases across the country (exceeding 1.7 lakh cases nationally in 2024-25). The court directed states to fence off institutional areas—such as schools and hospitals—and relocate stray animals to shelters. The AMC’s move makes Agartala one of the first cities in the Northeast to initiate a large-scale relocation drive following the apex court’s strictures.
The Mayor assured the citizens that the process would be “scientific and compassionate,” ensuring a safer environment for pedestrians and children while fulfilling the legal obligation toward animal rights.
