Mathura: The growing population of stray dogs and monkeys has become a major concern in several residential colonies and villages across Mathura. Residents say incidents involving dog bites and monkey attacks are affecting pedestrians, school-going children, senior citizens, and daily commuters.
The issue is being reported from both urban colonies and rural areas, where citizens claim that despite repeated complaints, a long-term and sustainable solution has yet to emerge.
Concerns Raised in Residential Colonies
Among the areas where residents have voiced concerns is Shree Ji Shivasha Estate on Govardhan Road, Mathura. According to local residents, stray dogs frequently move in groups through residential streets, creating fear among families, children, and elderly citizens.
Similar complaints have also been reported from nearby localities and villages, where residents say that monkey-related incidents have added to existing public safety concerns.
Ward Councillor Explains Challenges
Speaking to MathuraNow, Lakshman Singh Saini, Councillor of Ward No. 48, Satohha, said efforts had previously been made to address the issue after requests were received from residents and housing society representatives.
According to him, stray dogs were earlier captured from residential areas, vaccinated as per the prescribed procedure, and subsequently released in accordance with existing animal management guidelines.
However, he stated that one of the biggest obstacles to such drives is opposition from certain animal welfare supporters and animal lovers who object to the capture of stray animals.
Animal Capture Drive Faced Resistance
The councillor said that a specialised team from Agra was recently called to carry out a stray dog control operation in the area.
According to him, the team arrived with the intention of conducting the drive but was unable to proceed because of objections and resistance encountered at the site. As a result, the operation could not be completed and the team returned without capturing any animals.
He further stated that since the work remained incomplete, issues related to contractor and worker payments are still pending.
The councillor emphasized that repeated opposition to animal-catching drives makes it difficult for local authorities and contractors to carry out effective population management measures.
Need for Balance Between Safety and Animal Welfare
The issue has once again highlighted the challenge of balancing public safety concerns with animal welfare regulations.
Experts note that existing rules generally rely on sterilization, vaccination, tagging, and monitoring programs rather than permanent relocation. However, many residents argue that current measures have not significantly reduced the number of stray animals in affected localities.
The monkey population has also become a growing concern in several parts of Mathura, with residents reporting incidents involving food snatching, property damage, and occasional attacks on pedestrians.
MathuraNow View
The stray dog and monkey issue continues to be one of the most discussed civic concerns across Mathura. While local representatives cite operational challenges and resistance during animal control drives, residents continue to demand safer streets and a practical long-term solution.
Any sustainable resolution will likely require cooperation among municipal authorities, elected representatives, animal welfare groups, contractors, and local communities so that both public safety and animal welfare concerns can be addressed effectively.
Key Highlights
- Residents report growing concerns over stray dogs and monkeys.
- Shree Ji Shivasha Estate, Govardhan Road among areas raising the issue.
- Ward 48 Councillor Lakshman Singh Saini says animal-catching drives face opposition.
- Agra-based team reportedly returned without conducting the planned capture operation.
- Residents continue to seek a long-term solution for public safety.
Disclaimer
This report is based on statements made by local residents and elected representatives. The views regarding animal-catching operations and related objections are those of the individuals quoted. Animal welfare laws and municipal policies remain subject to applicable regulations and official guidelines.