Munish Sood
MANDI: A recent Supreme Court order aimed at curbing the menace of stray dogs has triggered a wave of reactions across the country — and in Mandi, residents say the ruling could not have come at a better time.
On the local social media group Mandi Help Post, people have been sharing their experiences since early morning, welcoming the top court’s decision and recounting frightening encounters with stray dogs.
Local schoolteacher Abhishek Thakur said he was attacked by a group of stray dogs while heading to work a few days ago. He sustained multiple injuries and is currently receiving rabies injections. “I was walking peacefully when the dogs attacked,” he said, adding that the physical and psychological shock has left him shaken.
Anuradha Sood, returning home after dinner with her young daughter, recounted an attack by three stray dogs near Samketar Bazaar. She escaped only by speeding away on her scooter, narrowly averting a far worse outcome. “I screamed to alert others and then fled. My daughter and I were terrified,” she said.
Digvijay Kapoor welcomed the ruling, saying stray dogs and monkeys have made life intolerable in several parts of Mandi. He expressed hope that similar action will be taken to address the monkey menace.
Advocate Geetanjali called the order “historic”, urging nationwide compliance to curb the growing threat from stray dogs, especially attacks on children and the elderly.
Another resident, Tittu, highlighted the severity of the problem in Bhuili. “Fifteen stray dogs have made life miserable, yet neither the Municipal Corporation nor anyone else has acted,” he said.
Municipal Corporation’s stance and ongoing measures
Municipal officials say work to manage and care for stray dogs is ongoing, but admit the scale of the problem outstrips current capacity. The corporation says it carries out sterilisation and vaccination drives and temporarily houses captured animals at the CBC Centre in Khalliyar for up to a week under veterinary supervision before returning them to their original locality.
The corporation said that around 200 dogs were sterilised and vaccinated last year and that 50 pet dogs were registered through an online portal in the current financial year at a fee of Rs 500.
Plans for a dog care centre on the Katora-Katindhi Road remain pending due to a delay in land transfer to the municipal corporation. Officials say the facility will allow for expanded sterilisation, treatment and sheltering of strays once operational.
Daily life with stray dog packs
Residents say visible packs can be seen outside chicken corners, meat shops and in narrow lanes. At night, the problem becomes more severe, with many avoiding solitary outings after dark. Complaints about municipal inaction and slow infrastructure progress remain common, despite the civic body’s claims of consistent sterilisation work.
The tension between public safety and humane animal welfare practices has resurfaced with renewed urgency after the Supreme Court ruling. While residents like those on Mandi Help Post welcome stronger action to prevent attacks and curb rabies risk, many stress that success will require sufficient shelter space, veterinary staff, and sustained community engagement.
For Mandi, the court order has raised expectations that local authorities will act faster. Those who have suffered attacks, including Abhishek Thakur and Anuradha Sood, say they want visible results: more patrols, quicker response to complaints and the long-awaited dog-care centre completed without further delay.
