TRIPURA

Tripura Launches Strengthened Measures to Tackle Stray Animal Issue

• 10 Feb 2026

The Government of Tripura has stepped up efforts to manage stray animals across the state, following the Supreme Court’s directions issued on November 7, 2025, in Suo Moto Writ Petition (Civil) No. (S) 5 of 2025. The initiative aims to ensure both public safety and animal welfare through systematic sterilization, vaccination, and sheltering of stray dogs and cattle.

Addressing the media at the Civil Secretariat, Secretary of the Animal Resources Development Department (ARDD) Deepa D Nair said local bodies, including municipal councils, have been tasked with implementing the programme with technical support from ARDD and registered animal welfare organizations.

The Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) has already set up an Animal Birth Control (ABC) Centre at Hapania, while ARDD operates a shelter at RK Nagar in collaboration with welfare groups. Helpline numbers and trained response teams have also been established to assist the public.

According to the 20th Livestock Census (2019), Tripura has 17,078 stray dogs and 3,361 stray cattle. The state is conducting coordinated drives to prevent stray animals from entering schools, hospitals, bus stands, sports complexes, and railway stations. Nodal officers have been appointed, campuses are being regularly cleaned, and quarterly inspections are underway.

On highways, inter-departmental teams, including NHIDCL, PWD, municipal authorities, the Road and Transport Department, and district administrations, are identifying high-risk stretches. Round-the-clock highway patrols with rapid response units linked to local police are operational. Stray animals found during these drives are relocated to shelters and gaushalas with adequate food, water, and veterinary care.

Hospitals maintain mandatory stocks of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin, while schools are being engaged through awareness programmes on bite prevention and safe interaction with animals. Infrastructure expansion and manpower strengthening are planned for the next financial year.

Secretary Nair urged citizens to adopt humane practices, including responsible pet ownership, timely vaccination, and avoiding abandonment. She also encouraged supporting feeding of stray dogs in shelters during festivals and other socially responsible initiatives to foster a safer, compassionate society.