Controversy as Government Plans to Remove Dogs from Singh Durbar

The government’s plan to remove around 150 stray dogs from Singh Durbar, the country’s main administrative area, has sparked strong protests from animal rights activists. Officials say the move is needed after a dog reportedly bit an official, but activists call it cruel, unfair, and unnecessary.

Many of the dogs are pregnant, old, or disabled, and have lived their whole lives inside Singh Durbar. Activist Megha Jalan, who has been feeding and caring for the dogs, warned that moving them could cause hunger, fights, and even attacks on people or livestock. “These dogs have their own space here. Taking them away without proper care is very inhumane” she said.

Chief Secretary Suman Raj Aryal said Singh Durbar is a sensitive place where important people visit, and stray dogs are not suitable there. But activists say that removing all the dogs is not the solution. They suggest humane methods like isolating sick or aggressive dogs, sterilizing them, giving vaccines, and managing them properly inside the area.

Animal experts, including Susila Subba and Sudha Timalsina, pointed out that Nepalese law does not allow random relocation of stray dogs. If the dogs are moved, they must be provided with food, water, shelter, and healthcare. “Taking them away like trash is wrong and sends a bad message” they said.

Groups like All for Paws have already sterilized more than 90 dogs in Singh Durbar and continue vaccinations. They insist that one dog bite should not lead to removing all the dogs, and that careful, humane management is the right way.

Plans are reportedly underway to move some dogs to Teku Shelter, but activists are worried about crowding and lack of space. They are calling on the government to set an example by managing the dogs properly, showing that even the country’s main administrative area can coexist with its stray dogs.