Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has called for a fresh approach to managing funds meant for stray dog control, suggesting that the money be directed to credible animal welfare organisations instead of municipal bodies.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Tharoor argued that the issue isn't a lack of resources but rather the reluctance or inefficiency of local authorities in carrying out sterilisation and sheltering programmes—even when they’re given the funds. He pointed out that the money often goes unused or isn’t spent where it’s most needed.

Instead, Tharoor proposed that the funds be handed over to NGOs and animal welfare groups with a proven track record of running shelters and implementing the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, saying they are far better equipped to deliver results on the ground.

He also emphasised the need to strike a balance between public safety and the humane treatment of stray dogs. Referring to the Supreme Court’s recent remarks, Tharoor said the court’s intervention reflected “understandable exasperation” at the inaction of municipal bodies.

His comments follow a stern directive from the Supreme Court on August 11, which described the growing number of dog bite incidents as an “extremely grim” situation. The court ordered the permanent relocation of all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR “at the earliest.”

A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan instructed Delhi authorities to construct shelters for around 5,000 stray dogs within six to eight weeks, with further expansion to follow. The court also warned that any interference with the relocation process could result in contempt of court action against individuals or organisations.