Stray Dogs Crisis: Governance Failure Hidden Behind Political Silence

India’s rapidly growing stray dog population has quietly turned into a serious public safety challenge, but politically, it remains an issue most governments prefer not to confront. Once treated as a minor municipal inconvenience, the problem today affects everyday life — from children walking to school to senior citizens stepping out for morning walks.

In cities and small towns alike, packs of stray dogs are now a common sight near residential colonies, markets, hospitals, and school gates. Reports of dog bites and attacks have increased steadily, creating fear and anxiety among residents. Doctors and public health officials have repeatedly warned about the risks, while courts have also flagged the issue. Yet, on the ground, little seems to have changed.

One of the biggest reasons for this continuing crisis is the blurred line of responsibility. Municipal corporations argue they lack funds, trained staff, and infrastructure. State governments often describe the matter as a local civic issue, distancing themselves from direct accountability. The Centre, meanwhile, confines its role to issuing guidelines and advisories. This fragmented approach has resulted in a situation where decision-making exists, but ownership does not.

Political hesitation further complicates the issue. Managing stray dogs involves balancing animal welfare concerns with human safety — a politically sensitive space. Any decisive move risks criticism from one side or another. As a result, political parties often choose caution over clarity. The issue rarely finds serious mention in election manifestos or campaign debates, despite affecting voters on a daily basis.

Animal Birth Control (ABC) programmes are frequently projected as the long-term solution. However, their implementation remains uneven across states. Poor planning, weak monitoring, lack of reliable data, and minimal audits have reduced many of these programmes to paperwork exercises rather than effective population control measures.

Public health experts argue that stray dog management must be viewed as a national urban safety and health concern, not a topic to be avoided for political comfort. What is needed is coordinated action between the Centre, states, and local bodies, backed by clear timelines, transparent funding, and strict accountability.

At its core, the stray dog crisis reflects a larger governance issue — where problems that directly affect public safety are pushed aside if they do not promise immediate political returns. The challenge is no longer about acknowledging the problem, but about finding the political will to address it honestly and effectively.

Until that happens, the silence from those in power will continue — and so will the fear on the streets.