After Two Girl Deaths in Dog Attacks, 300 Stray Dogs Sterilized in Just Three Months in Jalna; ₹1,000 Allocated per Surgery

Jalna, Maharashtra:
In the wake of two tragic deaths caused by stray dog attacks earlier this year, the Jalna Municipal Corporation (JMC) has ramped up its sterilization drive for stray dogs. Over the past three months, 300 stray dogs have been sterilized, with each procedure costing ₹1,000 per animal, under a ₹25 lakh allocation for the 2025–26 financial year.

Despite the intensified efforts, residents continue to express concern over the growing menace of stray dogs in several parts of the city. Many have reported increased sightings and attacks, leading to a sense of insecurity among locals.

Assistant Commissioner Supriya Chavan told Loksatta that the sterilization contract was finalized in May, and the appointed contractor began work in August. “Since then, nearly 300 dogs have undergone sterilization surgery,” she said, adding that payments to the contractor have not yet been released.

As per the agreement, the contractor is responsible for catching the dogs, performing sterilization, and returning them to their original location. Each dog is kept at the sterilization center for at least three days post-surgery. Currently, Jalna city operates one such facility, and plans are underway to establish another center to expand capacity.

Meanwhile, speculation has grown that dogs from neighboring towns are being dumped in Jalna. “We have received complaints and reports suggesting that vehicles filled with stray dogs from other cities were seen entering Jalna,” confirmed Assistant Commissioner Chavan. “Even police officials have noted such incidents.”

Officials say that though the sterilization program has picked up pace, effective stray population control may take several more months, given the rising number of unregistered and abandoned dogs in the area.