Shillong, July 19, 2025 — The Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress (MPMC) has issued a strong appeal to the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) and concerned authorities to take immediate and decisive action against the escalating stray dog crisis in the city.
In a statement released on Friday, MPMC President Joplyn Scott Shylla expressed deep concern over the growing number of incidents involving stray dogs attacking pedestrians, particularly women, children, and the elderly, across various localities. “It is alarming that despite multiple reports, municipal authorities have remained silent and inactive,” Shylla said, emphasizing that public safety must be the topmost priority.
The MPMC has called for:
- Immediate capture and relocation of stray dogs to designated shelters or holding facilities
- Accelerated implementation of sterilization and vaccination drives
- Construction of permanent shelters, as directed by recent court orders
The appeal follows a directive from the Meghalaya High Court, which expanded the scope of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to cover the entire state. The court invoked the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, and ordered the formation of a committee to oversee sterilization, shelter construction, and humane relocation efforts.
Despite the establishment of a temporary shelter by the SMB, the MPMC criticized the slow pace of implementation, warning that the public continues to suffer due to administrative delays. “The city cannot wait for a tragedy to occur before the administration responds responsibly,” Shylla added.
The Congress women’s wing has urged the government to act without further delay, stressing that the safety and well-being of Shillong’s residents must not be compromised. The issue is expected to be raised in upcoming civic meetings and legislative discussions.
