The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has floated a plan to construct a shelter for the lifetime care of stray dogs, who will be relocated from hospitals and educational institutions as per a 2025 Supreme Court order.
On Thursday, the BMC put out an expression of interest for NGOs working in animal welfare to build and operate a shelter that can house at least 3000 such dogs and sought to identify eligible organisations. The shelter, which could be built on 3000 square metres of land that the BMC is willing to provide, will be equipped with vets, and will provide food and medical aid to all rescued street dogs.
Authorities speak
Dr KL Pathan, head of the civic veterinary health department, said, “We have floated an expression of interest to check the response from animal welfare organisations. This can be considered prep work before land is acquired by the BMC for the shelter. It would not be ideal to learn very late in the stage of planning for this project that it has no takers on the ground. This EOI will give us a chance to initiate dialogue with interested parties. Work will be done on a public private partnership basis.”
The apex court order
In November 2025, the Supreme Court of India ordered the immediate removal of stray dogs from public spaces like schools, hospitals, and bus stations, mandating sterilisation and relocation to shelters. It tasked municipal corporations with implementing the order.
What BMC wants an NGO to do
>> Capture stray dogs in a safe and humane manner
>> Conduct the sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination of all captured dogs
>> Provide food, medical care, postoperative care, and lifetime protection for dogs unfit to be released
>> Prevent the release or relocation of dogs into institutions or sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, bus depots, railway premises, and government offices
>> Admit all dogs brought into the shelter by BMC
>> Provide shelter, food, and water
>> Provide medical screening and long-term medical care
>> Feed animals two to six times a day depending on age and medical condition
The proposed shelter will have…
>> Kennels with resting platforms
>> Isolation ward, sick ward, puppy ward
>> Post-operative care area
>> Food preparation and utensil washing areas
