The growing population of stray dogs in Kullu has emerged as a major concern for residents, with a long-pending animal shelter project yet to move forward due to administrative delays. The issue has drawn attention from local communities, business owners, and animal welfare groups, who say the absence of adequate facilities is making it difficult to manage the increasing number of stray animals in the town and surrounding areas.
Residents report a rise in incidents involving packs of stray dogs near markets, residential neighborhoods, and public spaces. Concerns have also been raised about road safety, sanitation, and occasional dog-bite cases, particularly in areas with heavy pedestrian movement. Local authorities acknowledge the challenge but say efforts to address the problem have been slowed by procedural hurdles linked to the proposed shelter project.
The shelter plan was intended to provide a dedicated facility for the care, sterilisation, vaccination, and rehabilitation of stray dogs. However, approvals, land-related clearances, and coordination among different departments have delayed its implementation. As a result, municipal authorities continue to rely on limited resources to manage the growing canine population.
Animal welfare advocates argue that a properly functioning shelter would help reduce conflicts between residents and stray animals while ensuring humane treatment. They have urged authorities to expedite the project and strengthen sterilisation drives to control the population in a sustainable manner.
With tourist footfall increasing and urban areas expanding, the demand for a long-term solution has become more pressing. Until the shelter project moves beyond the approval stage, residents are likely to continue facing the challenges associated with the rising stray dog population, while authorities work to break the administrative deadlock.
Leave a Reply