Archive · 3 Sep 2025
KMC Sterilised 632 Stray Dogs, Withholds Data Amidst Rising Concerns
Kolkata's city government, KMC, said they vaccinated and sterilized hundreds of stray dogs this year.
They provided this information after someone asked for it using a Right to Information request.
However, they didn't share all the information, like where the dogs are located or how many complaints they received.
Some people aren't satisfied with these numbers, as there are a growing number of dog bites in the area.
One lawyer says the numbers seem too low given the problem and questions whether the math adds up.
The city launched a program to manage these issues, but progress has been slow.
KMC reported 632 sterilizations and 2,320 vaccinations in Kolkata from January to July 2025.
The data was released in response to a Right to Information (RTI) request.
KMC withheld ward-level data and complaint records, citing RTI exemptions.
A lawyer questioned the figures, claiming they are insufficient and inconsistent.
The article highlights rising dog bite cases across Bengal, with cases in 2024 tripling from 2022.
- Who
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC)
- What
- Reported sterilization and vaccination numbers; withheld data in response to an RTI
- When
- Figures from January to July 2025; RTI response on August 30, 2025
- Where
- Kolkata, India
- Why
- To provide data on stray dog management, in response to RTI
Official KMC Position
Public Criticism
Data Transparency and Adequacy
Official KMC Position
KMC provided data on sterilizations and vaccinations in response to an RTI request.
Public Criticism
A lawyer dismissed the data as insufficient and inconsistent, criticizing the withholding of key information.
Program Effectiveness
Official KMC Position
KMC is conducting ward-wise awareness through posters and ARV vaccination campaigns.
Public Criticism
KMC's ABC program has not reached the planned target and infrastructure bottlenecks are a challenge.
- Sterilizations (Jan-Jul 2025)
- 632 dogs
- Vaccinations (Jan-Jul 2025)
- 2,320 dogs
- Data Withheld
- Ward-level breakdowns, complaint records
- Data Source
- KMC RTI response, August 30, 2025
- ABC Program Target
- 84,000 dogs