The Maharashtra government announced on Tuesday, December 9, that it will increase the number of animal birth control (ABC) centres in cities. The goal is to speed up the sterilisation of stray dogs. The government shared data in the legislative assembly showing that 29 municipal corporations have 1,188,281 stray dogs but only 105 ABC centres.
The announcement came during a Calling Attention Motion raised by MLAs Atul Bhatkhalkar, Mahesh Landge, Chetan Tupe, and others. They highlighted the rise in stray dog bites and rabies-related deaths. Bhatkhalkar asked what is being done to expand ABC facilities.
He asked the government to acquire land on a war footing. He also asked if unused government plots could be used for new centres. Some MLAs made sharp remarks during the discussion.
The government also shared sterilisation data with the house. Mumbai alone has 90,757 stray dogs and only eight centres or shelters. In 2024–2025, 50,844 stray dogs were sterilised in 395 municipal councils and nagar panchayats. Another 182,000 dogs were sterilised in 29 municipal corporations.
The urban development department is carrying out the Centre’s Animal Birth Control Rules. It has asked all urban local bodies to form ABC monitoring committees. The Animal Welfare Board of India also put out an SOP (standard operating procedure) last month. It asked local bodies to set up dog shelter houses.
State urban development minister Madhuri Misal said the government is following Supreme Court orders. The government has also issued directions and is closely monitoring compliance. As the debate continued, the revenue minister said MLAs and officials from the concerned departments will meet to discuss the issue further.
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