Shimla Stray Dog Menace Escalates After Dhalli Attacks: Public Safety in Question
The growing stray dog menace in Shimla has once again stirred public outcry, following a series of alarming dog attacks in the Dhalli area. On Tuesday, three children were reportedly attacked by stray dogs near the Dhalli tunnel, with one child suffering serious injuries and rushed to IGMC Shimla for treatment.
These attacks have reignited concerns about public safety in Shimla, especially for children and women. For years, residents have raised their voices about the unchecked rise in stray dog numbers, but authorities have failed to implement effective control measures.
The issue dominated discussions in the Shimla Municipal Corporation meeting, where councillors from both the BJP and Congress slammed the administration for inaction. A fierce argument broke out between Dhalli Councillor Narinder Thakur and Mayor Surinder Chauhan, disrupting the proceedings for hours. Councillors from both sides united in protest, demanding a firm and time-bound policy to tackle the stray dog problem. “Even elected representatives have been bitten in the past. How long will the administration ignore this crisis?” questioned Thakur.
Outside the municipal chambers, the tension continued. Social worker Karamchand Bhatia staged a dharna outside the Mayor’s office after his 8-year-old son Aditya was attacked on his way to school. He called off his protest only after receiving a personal assurance from the Mayor that steps would be taken immediately.
Despite mounting pressure, civic officials say their options are limited. Under animal protection laws, municipal bodies are restricted from culling or permanently removing stray dogs. The only permissible methods involve sterilization of stray dogs and periodic vaccination drives—measures critics argue have been largely ineffective.
As the Shimla stray dog crisis deepens, residents and leaders alike are demanding not just promises, but urgent and visible action to restore public safety across the hill town.
