Tiruchi Corporation identifies land to build shelters for sterilised stray dogs

Tiruchi City Corporation has identified land in all its zones to establish shelters for sterilised stray dogs that are injured or exhibit aggressive behaviour.

The move follows repeated requests from residents to relocate stray dogs that pose a threat to the public. Frequent incidents of dog bites have been reported across the city.

The stray dog menace has been particularly severe in public spaces, including government offices, bus stands, residential townships, defence and railway areas, railway stations, hospitals, BHEL premises, and near the airport, where the animals easily find food.

According to Corporation officials, the proposed shelters will be established near the Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres functioning in each zone, to provide safe accommodation and continued care for sterilised and vaccinated stray dogs under the Corporation’s ABC programme.

At present, the city has four animal birth control centres at Ambedkar Nagar in Srirangam zone, Konakkarai in the Abishekapuram zone, J.J. Nagar in the Ponmalai zone, and one near the dump yard in Ariyamangalam zone.

A senior Corporation official said that locating the shelters close to the ABC centres will allow veterinarians to regularly monitor their health. “These sites are away from residential areas, ensuring public safety and reducing disturbance,” the official added.

Each shelter will include kennels, feeding areas, and basic medical infrastructure for first aid, vaccination, and post-operative care. The facilities will have secured compounds to ensure the safety of the animals.

A recent city-wide survey estimated the number of stray dogs at 43,767. Under its ongoing animal birth control programme, the Corporation has sterilised over 26,200 street dogs between April 2023 and October 2025, with an ear notch made to indicate the animal had undergone the procedure. Anti-rabies vaccines had been administered to the animals.