Delhi Vet Shortage Worsens Stray Dog Crisis

At a time when the issue of stray animals — particularly dogs and cattle — is under intense scrutiny in the national capital, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi's (MCD) veterinary department, which is tasked with controlling

the situation, is grappling with a serious manpower crisis and leadership vacuum.

The MCD data stated that 277 out of 649 sanctioned posts in the department are vacant — a shortfall of nearly 43%. The post of department director has been vacant for over nine months, and one of the two additional director posts also remains unfilled.

"The absence of leadership is affecting coordination at a time when an intensive operation has been mandated by the Supreme Court," a senior municipal official told Hindustan Times. "We don't even

have the sanctioned strength of staff, let alone additional manpower to execute a court-ordered citywide dog-catching drive," he added.

Supreme Court's directive

The Supreme Court recently ordered authorities in Delhi-NCR to relocate all stray dogs to shelters "at the earliest". The court ordered the creation of shelters for at least 5,000 dogs within six to eight weeks. A plea seeking a stay on this order is currently under consideration.

Shortage in supervisory and operational staff

The

department's staffing crisis affects all levels:

• Veterinary officers: 27 of 45 sanctioned posts (60%) are vacant.


• Veterinary inspectors: 18 of 38 posts are unfilled.


• Drivers: Of the 64 sanctioned positions required to operate dog-catching and cattle vans, only 27 are on duty—a 57.8% shortfall.


• Animal catcher field staff (multi-tasking staff - veterinary): 109 out of 350 posts are vacant—over 31%.


• Junior secretariat assistants (JSAs): Only 26 are in position against 78 sanctioned posts, leaving clerical
  and documentation duties severely understaffed.

"These supervisory staff are essential for on-ground coordination, inspections, and overseeing daily operations," an official told HT. "Without enough drivers, even our existing vans cannot be used fully."

Contractual hiring underway, permanent posts delayed

While hiring for contractual field staff is reportedly in its final stages, recruitment for permanent positions will take longer, as it must go through the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB).

"We have experienced staff who can train new hires quickly," an official told HT, adding that the time-sensitive nature of the Supreme Court’s directive demands faster action.

Broad mandate, limited resources

The MCD's veterinary department has a wide-ranging mandate: it oversees slaughterhouse operations, licensing of meat shops, enforcement against illegal slaughtering, stray cattle management, and removal of unauthorised dairies. It is also responsible for the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, anti-rabies vaccinations,

and even monkey-catching, working with contractors to transfer captured monkeys to the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.

But with widespread vacancies and no one at the helm, the department's ability to meet both routine responsibilities and emergency directives remains severely compromised.