SMC to open dog sterilization centre in Chatterhama this April

Srinagar, Feb 04: In a significant step towards controlling the stray dog population, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) is set to open its third dog sterilization centre in Chatterhama this April. The new facility aims to enhance ongoing sterilization efforts under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program, addressing growing concerns over rising dog bite incidents.

Currently, Srinagar has two sterilization centres—one in Shuhama and another in Tengpora—but their limited capacity has slowed large-scale sterilization efforts. With an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 stray dogs in the city, the Chatterhama centre is expected to substantially increase the number of daily sterilizations.

A senior SMC official confirmed that the new centre is nearly complete and will be fully operational by the first week of April. “The facility is almost ready, and we expect it to be fully functional by April,” the official said. Equipped with two dedicated sterilization theatres and 60 kennels, the state-of-the-art centre will accommodate up to 300 dogs at a time. It will also provide both ABC and Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV) services, with the capacity to conduct 50 sterilization surgeries per day—giving a major boost to SMC’s efforts to manage the stray dog population.

Notably, sterilization efforts in Srinagar have often been hampered by harsh winter conditions, as cold weather increases post-surgery risks and infections. To address this, the Chatterhama centre will include a closed kennel system with heating arrangements, ensuring that sterilization procedures continue uninterrupted throughout the year. “In winter, sterilization was often halted as dogs became more vulnerable to infections. To resolve this, we have built a closed kennel system that minimizes exposure and allows year-round operations,” the official explained.

In 2024, Srinagar recorded 6,702 sterilizations and 6,848 vaccinations under the ABC program. Authorities expect these numbers to rise significantly with the opening of the Chatterhama centre. Additionally, the SMC plans to conduct over 20,000 sterilizations at the Tengpora centre during 2025-26. Deworming and vaccination drives are ongoing at other centres as part of a broader strategy to manage the stray dog population.

Interestingly, officials believe that sterilization is the most effective long-term strategy to control Srinagar’s stray dog population and reduce bite incidents. With the Animal Birth Control Rule 2023 prohibiting relocation or euthanization of stray dogs, sterilization stands as the only viable solution. “Dog bite incidents are closely linked to breeding patterns. By expanding sterilization efforts, we can gradually reduce the number of dogs, ultimately decreasing bite incidents,” the official explained.

Local residents, who have long demanded stronger measures, have welcomed the initiative. “For years, we’ve been urging the authorities to find a more effective solution to the stray dog issue. This new centre gives us hope that they are finally taking stronger steps to address the problem,” said Shahnawaz Mir, a resident of Rajbagh. “We’re hopeful that the centre will accelerate sterilization efforts and help reduce the risk of dog attacks,” added Javed Ahmad, a resident of Bemina.

As the SMC continues its efforts, the opening of the Chatterhama centre marks a significant step in managing the stray dog population, ensuring a safer environment for Srinagarites.