Mumbai’s Big Shift: Inside BMC’s Plan for a 1,000-Dog Mulund Shelter

BMC has rolled out a major plan to manage the growing stray dog population. The scheme focuses on expanding shelters, strengthening facilities, and coordinating with public spaces to keep strays off busy areas. (Picture credit: Raju Joseph)

Schools, hospitals, and other public spaces are being instructed to fence entrances to prevent strays from wandering inside. BMC will assist where necessary.

City’s Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres, which serve as temporary shelters, are being enhanced to provide better care and sterilization facilities for stray dogs.

A new 1,000-dog capacity Mumbai dog shelter is planned near the old pumping station in Mulund to accommodate long-term stray care.

Current ABC facilities are spread across Mahalaxmi, Deonar, Sewri, Parel, Mulund, and Malad. These mainly provide short-term care and sterilization services.

High-rise societies have reported dozens of stray dogs on their premises, highlighting the urgent need for expanded shelter and better urban management.

Every institution must appoint a nodal officer with contact details displayed publicly. The officer will act as the point of contact for all stray dog matters.

Each Mumbai dog shelter will employ trained animal handlers, veterinarians, and support staff to ensure humane treatment and proper care.

Animal welfare groups urge BMC to maintain clear records of stray placement and ensure dogs are not abandoned elsewhere.

The Mumbai dog shelter strategy combines institutional cooperation with expanded facilities, aiming to reduce stray numbers while ensuring safety and humane treatment citywide.