Maharashtra Government Directs Municipalities to Fine Individuals Feeding Stray Dogs, Mandates Sterilisation and Vaccination Zone Policy

The Maharashtra government has issued new guidelines requiring municipalities to impose fines on unauthorized feeding of stray dogs, enforce sterilisation and vaccination of stray canines and establish designated feeding zones across the state.

November 24, 2025 Mumbai – The Maharashtra government has taken a decisive step to address rising concerns over stray dog populations and related incidents by instructing all municipalities and local bodies to strictly regulate feeding of stray dogs and enforce sterilisation and vaccination campaigns. Under the new directive issued by the state’s Department of Urban Development, any person feeding stray dogs in non-designated public places may face fines, while municipalities are required to identify specific feeding zones for stray animals and keep detailed records of immunisation and sterilisation efforts.

The government’s move comes after the Supreme Court of India directed swift action on stray dog management, citing an increase in attacks on children and other citizens. Municipal authorities have been asked to coordinate regular campaigns to capture stray dogs, perform sterilisation (also known as neutering), administer rabies and other vaccinations, and ensure that once treated, dogs are released only into pre-designated zones. The policy further mandates that records be maintained for every dog captured, treated, rehabilitated or released.

In addition to sterilisation and vaccination programmes, the directive specifies that municipalities must establish well-equipped veterinary hospitals within their jurisdiction to handle emergency cases of dog bites, and ensure sufficient stocks of anti-rabies serum and immunoglobulin in government hospitals. This is aimed at improving response times and reducing health risks associated with dog bite incidents. The government also expects local bodies to launch proactive awareness campaigns and provide citizens with a dedicated helpline for reporting stray dog problems.

One of the most significant changes is the move to regulate feeding of stray dogs in open public spaces. The government has instructed local authorities to designate specific sites where feeding is allowed under supervision, and warns that feeding stray dogs at random locations will invite fines and possibly legal action. Municipalities are empowered to impose penalties on individuals or groups who violate these rules, marking a major shift from previous policies which often relied on voluntary compliance.

Officials say this comprehensive approach is meant to balance the welfare of stray dogs with public safety and health concerns. By limiting free roaming and uncontrolled feeding, the state aims to reduce conflict between stray animals and humans, especially in densely populated urban areas, while also controlling the spread of rabies and other dog-borne diseases. The integration of sterilisation, vaccination and designated feeding zones is seen as a more sustainable long-term solution than relying solely on dog removal or culling.

Community groups and animal welfare organisations will play a critical role in implementing the scheme, including monitoring treatment outcomes, maintaining records and collaborating with municipal agencies on public outreach. Local residents may need to adjust their practices if they currently feed stray dogs informally, and should seek information from their local municipality to learn where the approved feeding zones are located. Municipalities are now accountable not only for the dog-control measures but also for timely injury treatment for bite victims and for registering all stray-dog related incidents.

In sum, this new directive by the Maharashtra government signals a more structured, accountable and regulated approach to stray dog management. With fines for informal feeding, mandatory sterilisation and vaccination programmes, and the creation of designated feeding zones, the aim is to bring both safety and compassion into the equation. Local bodies, animal welfare agencies and citizens will need to work together to make the scheme effective and sustainable.

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