DNCC says it did not remove Baridhara DOHS dogs, warns against illegal relocation

Dhaka North City Corporation has categorically denied allegations that it removed free-roaming dogs from Dhaka's Baridhara DOHS, saying it does not support such activities and is “deeply concerned”.

In a statement, signed by DNCC Chief Health Officer Brig Gen Imrul Quais Chowdhury Chowdhury, issued today, the city corporation said recent reports published in The Daily Star and on social media said DOHS authorities have alleged that DNCC removed ownerless dogs from the area and other areas under its jurisdiction.

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“The Dhaka North City Corporation has not conducted any activity to remove ownerless dogs from Baridhara DOHS or any other area under DNCC, and does not support such activities,” the statement said.

The statement came after The Daily Star reported on July 1 that allegations over the relocation of free-roaming dogs in Baridhara DOHS had resurfaced, months after similar concerns were raised by residents and animal welfare activists.

Members of Animal Welfare of Baridhara DOHS, a resident-led group, alleged that recent notices issued by the Baridhara DOHS Parishad calling for the relocation of free-roaming dogs and imposing restrictions on pet movement were unlawful and counterproductive.

Samiul Hasan, a resident of Baridhara DOHS, claimed that around 13 to 15 dogs had disappeared from the area.

“There were around 13 to 15 dogs in the area, but now we cannot see any of them. On June 10, a van came and picked them up. We do not know whether they are alive or not,” he said.

He claimed that when residents asked the authorities about the matter, they denied involvement and said the dogs had been taken by DNCC.

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Claims of free-roaming dog relocation resurface in Dhaka’s Baridhara DOHS

Contacted for the July 1 report, Col (retd) M Abdul Hai, president of Baridhara DOHS Parishad, denied that the Parishad carried out any dog relocation programme.

“The DNCC took the dogs. Our Parishad did nothing,” he had said.

In its statement, DNCC said removing ownerless dogs from a specific area is not a scientific, practical, or sustainable method of controlling street dog populations. Instead, it said the recognised approach is CNVR (Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release), which is currently being implemented in DNCC areas with the cooperation of three voluntary organisations.

The city corporation also said cruelty towards animals, unnecessary killing, abandonment, and illegal removal of animals are punishable offences under the Animal Welfare Act, 2019.

According to DNCC, around 21,133 dogs -- approximately 80 percent of the dog population in its areas -- were vaccinated under the Mass Dog Vaccination programme in 2020-21 to prevent rabies. It also said around 25,000 dogs were sterilised between 2014 and 2025.

DNCC urged residents to show humane and compassionate behaviour towards dogs, cats and other community animals. It said complaints regarding ownerless animals can be submitted through its website and hotline, adding that 10 veterinary teams are working across its zones to respond to such issues.