AP government issues special guidelines to control stray dogs in urban areas

Following a rise in stray dog attacks in urban areas of Andhra Pradesh, residents have expressed growing concerns, especially joggers, schoolchildren, and women who often face threats from aggressive dogs. Reports of children being attacked by packs of dogs in some areas have further raised public alarm, prompting calls for stricter government action.

In response, the Andhra Pradesh government has initiated comprehensive measures to manage the stray dog population in cities and towns. The Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department has issued fresh guidelines to all urban local bodies, focusing on Animal Birth Control (ABC) programs and anti-rabies vaccination (ARV) campaigns.

According to the joint directives issued by S. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary of MA&UD, and P. Sampath Kumar, Director of Municipal Administration, local authorities must strictly implement the 2023 Animal Birth Control rules and comply with the latest Supreme Court directives issued on November 7, 2025.

The department estimates that approximately 515,000 stray dogs reside in 123 urban local bodies across the state. By June 1, 2024, sterilization procedures were completed for 224,732 dogs, with another 136,656 dogs undergoing the procedure subsequently. Authorities emphasized that proactive measures are essential to prevent an increase in dog attacks as the stray dog population grows.

Currently, ABC centers, including operation theatres and kennels, are operational in 45 urban local bodies, while the remaining centers are expected to be ready soon. Suresh Kumar stressed that the government is fully committed to controlling the stray dog population and warned that negligence in sterilization and vaccination activities would lead to strict action.

State-level monitoring committees and urban local body implementation committees have already been set up. These committees include officials from the MA&UD, Animal Husbandry, Panchayati Raj, Rural Development departments, and representatives from animal welfare boards.

Directives for municipal commissioners include:

• Preparing daily and weekly action plans with clear targets.

• Selecting agencies recognized under the 2023 ABC rules.

• Conducting fresh surveys of stray dog populations.

• Implementing safety measures near schools, anganwadis, hospitals, bus depots, railway stations, and sports complexes.

• Designating specific feeding zones and prohibiting feeding of dogs on roads.

• Running awareness programs in schools to educate children about safety around stray dogs.

The government aims to ensure the safety of citizens while addressing the humane management of stray animals in urban areas.