BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 10th February 2026 : In line with Supreme Court directives, the Tripura government has intensified efforts to manage stray dogs and other animals roaming across the state. A coordinated, multi-departmental initiative has been launched, emphasizing public safety, animal welfare, and sustainable population control.
Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat on Tuesday, Deepa D. Nair, Secretary of the Animal Resources Development Department, stated that sterilisation and vaccination of stray dogs are now mandatory under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. To implement these measures effectively, Animal Birth Control Centres and animal shelters are being set up across the state by municipal bodies in collaboration with the department.
The Agartala Municipal Corporation has already established an Animal Birth Control Centre in Hapania, while an animal shelter is operational at R.K. Nagar. Similar facilities are being planned in other municipalities with support from Animal Welfare Organisations. To ensure proper monitoring, nodal officers have been appointed at key locations such as schools, hospitals, bus stands, and railway stations.
Addressing highway safety, the Secretary highlighted that 24/7 surveillance and rapid response systems have been introduced to manage stray animals along national highways. This initiative is a joint effort involving the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Public Works Department, Transport Department, municipal bodies, and district administrations. Stray animals spotted on highways are safely relocated to designated shelters and cowsheds equipped with food, water, and veterinary care. Citizens can also report stray animal issues through newly launched dedicated helplines.
Dr. Neeraj Kumar Chanchal, Director of the Animal Resources Development Department, assured that all hospitals across Tripura have sufficient stocks of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin. He also mentioned that awareness programs are being conducted in schools and colleges to educate students about stray animal behavior, disease prevention, and basic first aid.
Currently, the state has three cow shelters in Devipur, Mohanpur, and Dharmanagar. Five additional shelters are planned in other districts with the support of NGOs. Over 2,000 cows have been rescued so far through ongoing campaigns targeting cow smuggling.
The Tripura government is also focusing on strengthening infrastructure and providing specialized training for personnel involved in stray animal management, aiming for a safer and more humane environment for both citizens and animals.
