The Meghalaya High Court has issued a directive to the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) to complete the construction of a dog shelter home within the next 30 days. The order emphasizes the urgent need to provide a safe and secure space for stray and street dogs in the city, ensuring their well-being and controlling the growing number of stray animals.
Shillong Municipal Board Ordered to Provide Shelter for Street Dogs
The order came while the High Court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the relocation of Shillong Zoo and the management of stray dog populations in public areas. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh reviewed the status of the construction and stressed the need for timely completion.
The court had previously instructed the Shillong Municipal Board to submit an action taken report on the progress of the dog shelter home. In response, the Municipal Board filed an affidavit on February 5, 2025, detailing the steps taken so far.
Animal Husbandry Department Declines Responsibility for Dog Shelter
According to the affidavit submitted by the Shillong Municipal Board, the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department of the Meghalaya state government already operates a dog shelter facility. However, when the Municipal Board requested the department to accommodate captured stray dogs, the department declined responsibility.
The Director of the Department, in a letter dated January 16, 2025, responded to the Board’s request, stating that the responsibility of providing shelter for street dogs falls on the Shillong Municipal Board, not the state government. Additionally, the existing facility is already being used for the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, making it unavailable for accommodating additional stray dogs.
Dog Shelter Construction in Progress
Following the clarification from the Animal Husbandry Department, the Shillong Municipal Board acted promptly by inviting tenders for the construction of a dedicated dog shelter home.
- A contract was awarded to a private construction party.
- Construction work has already started and is expected to be completed within 30 days.
- The High Court has instructed the Municipal Board to ensure timely completion of the shelter.
The division bench expressed its appreciation for the quick response and efforts made by the Shillong Municipal Board. The court has further emphasized that authorities must ensure the shelter is completed on time so that stray dogs are provided a safe and suitable home.
High Court Monitors Relocation of Shillong Zoo
The Meghalaya High Court also reviewed progress on the relocation of Shillong Zoo, which was another matter raised in the same Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
- In a previous order dated November 27, 2024, the court had directed the relocation of the zoo from Shillong to a new site approximately 35 km from the city.
- The High Court expressed satisfaction with the state government’s progress on the relocation project.
The decision to shift the Shillong Zoo comes in response to concerns about animal welfare, limited space in the existing facility, and public safety.
The Importance of a Dedicated Dog Shelter in Shillong
The construction of a dedicated dog shelter home is a crucial step in addressing the rising stray dog population in Shillong.
- Many street dogs face hardships, including lack of food, extreme weather conditions, and risk of accidents.
- Stray dogs can also pose health and safety concerns for the general public.
- A dedicated shelter will help in vaccination, sterilization, and rehabilitation of these animals.
The Shillong Municipal Board is expected to ensure that the new dog shelter is well-equipped with proper facilities for food, medical care, and rehabilitation of stray dogs.
The Meghalaya High Court’s directive to the Shillong Municipal Board underscores the urgency of providing shelter for stray dogs in the city. With construction already underway, the authorities are expected to complete the project within 30 days, ensuring a humane and structured approach to stray animal management.
Meanwhile, the relocation of Shillong Zoo is also progressing as per the High Court’s orders, marking a major step in improving animal welfare and urban management in Meghalaya.
