Just 4,100 of 93,164 stray dogs sterilised

Stray dog control drive began in May 2026; makes little headway

Mysuru: The implementation of the Supreme Court’s directions to control the stray dog population through sterilisation has been moving at a snail’s pace in Mysuru district.

Of the 93,164 stray dogs identified in the district, only 4,101 have been sterilised so far, barely 4.4% of total population. At this rate, the programme is unlikely to make a significant impact on the growing stray dog population in the near future. Stray dog attacks have become a major public concern, with several people sustaining injuries. Dog bites also pose the risk of rabies, making timely treatment and control measures essential.

Court directive: Against this backdrop, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Supreme Court seeking measures to curb attacks by stray dogs. Taking note of data and several instances of attacks on people, the Court issued directions for controlling the stray dog population, with sterilisation being a key measure.

The Court rejected an application filed by the Animal Welfare Board seeking modifications to its directions. It also permitted the euthanasia of highly aggressive stray dogs, those infected with rabies and those suffering from incurable diseases, in accordance with the prescribed legal procedure. To implement the directions, the District Administration prepared an action plan and conducted a survey to assess the stray dog population.

Veterinarians from the Animal Husbandry Department were trained to perform sterilisation surgeries and provided with the necessary equipment.

Began in May

The responsibility of capturing stray dogs was assigned to the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) and Taluk Panchayats (TPs), while arrangements were made to provide post-operative care at designated shelters.

The sterilisation programme began in May 2026. However, only 4,101 dogs have been sterilised across Mysuru city and the district’s nine taluks so far. Of these, 3,456 surgeries were performed in Mysuru city and taluk.

The remaining figures are 81 in K.R. Nagar and Saligrama taluks, 216 in Hunsur, 28 in Periyapatna, 35 in H.D. Kote, 32 in Saragur, 121 in Nanjangud and 132 in T. Narasipur.

Poor progress

Officials say the programme could gather pace if MCC and TP staff captured dogs daily and handed them over to the Animal Husbandry Department for sterilisation. Instead, dogs are reportedly being brought in only once or twice a week, slowing down the process.

The poor progress has raised questions over the role of Local Bodies in carrying out the dog-catching exercise. Though the Government has earmarked funds for the programme, the lack of coordination and alleged negligence in implementation have hampered its progress.

The slow pace has also raised concerns over the authorities’ response to the Supreme Court’s directions, even as stray dog attacks and related public safety concerns continue.

Rabies kills five in Mysuru district in two years

Five people have died of rabies in Mysuru district over the last two years. According to data from Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) and Health Department, four deaths were reported in 2024 and one in H.D. Kote in 2025. Karnataka recorded 126 rabies-related deaths during the same period.

Rabies is a viral disease that affects central nervous system and brain. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, a burning sensation or itching around the wound, breathing difficulties & other neurological complications. Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is almost invariably fatal.

The deaths have once again highlighted the need for effective measures to prevent dog bites and control the stray dog population.

Authorities need to step up sterilisation drives and ensure that the programme covers stray dogs across the district.

Ready to carry out surgeries

We have the necessary veterinarians, supporting staff & medical equipment to carry out sterilisation surgeries on stray dogs. If dogs are brought to us, our veterinarians are ready to perform the procedures. If local bodies bring dogs for sterilisation daily, the prescribed target can be achieved within the stipulated timeframe. They must therefore step up their efforts and ensure the programme is implemented effectively.

—Dr. Krishnappa, Chief Veterinary Officer, Mysuru