Srinagar, May 11: In a continued effort to manage the stray dog population and reduce dog bite incidents in Srinagar, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) is set to open its third dog sterilisation centre at Chatterhama this June. The new, state-of-the-art facility is aimed at enhancing ongoing sterilisation efforts under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, addressing the growing concerns over rising dog bite incidents.
Currently, Srinagar operates two sterilisation centres — one in Shuhama and another in Tengpora — but their limited capacity has hindered large-scale sterilisation efforts. With an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 stray dogs in the city, the Chatterhama centre is expected to significantly increase the number of daily sterilisations, allowing for more effective management of the stray dog population.
According to a SMC official, the new centre will be equipped with two dedicated sterilisation theatres and 60 kennels, providing the capacity to accommodate up to 300 dogs at a time. “It will be capable of conducting up to 50 sterilisations per day, a substantial improvement compared to the current centres, which handle only about 10 to 20 sterilisations daily,” the official said. “In addition to sterilisation services, the facility will also provide Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV), further supporting public health and safety.”
One of the key features of the Chatterhama centre is its ability to operate year-round. Srinagar’s harsh winters have traditionally disrupted sterilisation efforts due to the increased risk of infections in cold weather. However, the new facility includes a closed kennel system with integrated heating arrangements, ensuring uninterrupted sterilisation services even during the winter months.
A senior SMC official, requesting anonymity, said the centre is nearly complete and is expected to be fully operational by the end of June. “The centre is almost ready and we expect it to open by the end of June. With its enhanced capacity, we aim to give a major boost to our ongoing efforts to manage the stray dog population more effectively,” the official said.
The opening of the Chatterhama centre is part of an ongoing effort to expand sterilisation and vaccination campaigns across Srinagar. Between June 2023 and October 2024, over 14,000 stray dogs were sterilised and vaccinated under the ABC programme. In 2024 alone, 6,702 dogs were sterilised and 6,848 vaccinated. With the new centre, authorities anticipate a sharp increase in these numbers. Officials emphasise that sterilisation is the most effective long-term approach to controlling the stray dog population, especially since the Animal Birth Control Rule 2023 prohibits the relocation or euthanisation of stray dogs. By preventing further breeding, sterilisation ensures a steady reduction in the stray dog population over time. “By continuing this initiative, we aim to gradually decrease both the stray dog population and the incidents of dog bites,” the official explained. As the SMC prepares to open the Chatterhama centre in June, it marks a crucial step forward in addressing Srinagar’s stray dog issues, bringing relief to residents and ensuring a safer environment for all.
