Is Maneka Gandhi Right in Accusing Municipal Authorities of Mismanagement in Delhi’s Dog Shelters?
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Synopsis
Maneka Gandhi's recent allegations of corruption and mismanagement in Delhi's dog shelters have sparked significant attention. With claims that the system is failing to address the stray dog crisis, her insights challenge the effectiveness of current practices. As the Supreme Court mandates changes, the future of stray dogs in Delhi hangs in the balance.
Key Takeaways
- Maneka Gandhi highlights corruption in dog shelter operations.
- Allegations include false sterilisation claims.
- RWAs and municipal bodies are accused of illegal dog relocations.
- Supreme Court mandates actionable steps for stray dogs.
- Relocation causes increased stress and aggression in dogs.
New Delhi, Aug 12 (NationPress) Former BJP MP and animal welfare advocate Maneka Gandhi has charged municipal authorities with widespread corruption and mismanagement concerning Delhi’s dog sterilisation and shelter system. She cautioned that these actions exacerbate the stray dog issue instead of resolving it.
In an interview with IANS on Tuesday, Gandhi claimed that various dog shelters in the city, identified as A, B, and C centres, have been functioning for two decades without oversight.
“These centres assert they sterilise 10 dogs but bill for 20,000. Previously, when a senior MCD officer retired, they would be ‘gifted’ one of these centres to continue profiting. This must cease. If these centres are repaired, all challenges can be addressed within two years,” she remarked.
Gandhi also accused Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and municipal bodies of unlawfully relocating stray dogs from affluent neighborhoods to other areas, often in advance of significant national events.
“For the last six years, RWAs have been expelling dogs from their localities and abandoning them elsewhere. The MCD does likewise; if officers dislike dogs in their vicinity, they transfer them to locations like the lanes of Panchkuian. Prior to Republic Day, they remove dogs from venues to prevent them from being seen where speeches are delivered. Last year, dogs near the Red Fort were discarded in Raja Garden,” she stated.
As Independence Day approaches, Gandhi cautioned that a similar operation is in progress. “They will relocate 150 dogs from around the Red Fort and abandon them in Defence Colony. This relocation heightens dog bite incidents because the animals are frightened, hungry, attacked by local dogs, or beaten by residents in unfamiliar territories,” she explained.
Her comments follow a Supreme Court directive mandating the removal of all stray dogs in Delhi NCR from the streets and their housing in shelters. In response to this order, the Delhi government instructed civic bodies in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram to construct shelters, relocate stray dogs, and report back to the court.
Point of View
Maneka Gandhi's allegations highlight critical systemic issues within Delhi's animal welfare framework. These serious claims warrant thorough investigation and reflect broader societal responsibilities towards stray animals. The evolving narrative surrounding this issue underscores the need for accountability and reform in municipal governance, particularly concerning animal rights.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Maneka Gandhi accuse municipal authorities of?
Maneka Gandhi accused municipal authorities of large-scale corruption and mismanagement in Delhi's dog sterilisation and shelter system.
What are the concerns regarding dog shelters in Delhi?
Concerns include operating without accountability, falsely claiming sterilisation numbers, and relocation of stray dogs before national events.
How has the Supreme Court responded to stray dog issues?
The Supreme Court directed that all stray dogs in Delhi NCR be removed from the streets and housed in shelters.
What impact does dog relocation have on the animals?
Relocation increases stress, leading to higher instances of dog bites due to fear and unfamiliar surroundings.
What does Gandhi suggest to solve these issues?
Gandhi suggests fixing the dog shelters to resolve the stray dog problem within two years.
