Wed Oct 08 20:14:37 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summarized news article based on the text you provided:

**Headline: Delhi Cracks Down on Stray Dog Sterilization Programs Amid Population Concerns**

**New Delhi, October 9, 2025** – The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is set to tighten regulations and increase accountability for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) operating Animal Birth Control (ABC) centers, following concerns that stray dog populations continue to rise despite ongoing sterilization efforts. The MCD’s Standing Committee will meet this Thursday to discuss potential fund cuts and penalties for NGOs failing to meet their sterilization targets, as mandated by the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.

Currently, 20 ABC centers managed by NGOs operate across Delhi, each tasked with achieving 80% sterilization in their respective zones. However, officials claim persistent gaps in implementation and monitoring have hindered progress.

“If the stray dog population continues to rise in an area despite claimed sterilizations, it suggests negligence,” a senior MCD official stated. “We need accountability and stringent guidelines.”

The proposed measures include rigorous monitoring of sterilization and vaccination procedures, including mandatory “organ counts” and detailed record-keeping. The MCD currently pays NGOs ₹1,000 per procedure, but payments are pending for over six months, totaling ₹13.5 crore earmarked for sterilizing 1.35 lakh dogs this financial year. According to MCD data, 31,888 sterilization procedures were conducted by June this year, for which payments are still awaited.

NGOs have expressed concerns about operational difficulties due to the delayed payments. Despite this, sterilization numbers have steadily increased in recent years.

The MCD’s move comes in the wake of an August Supreme Court order allowing sterilized and vaccinated stray dogs to be returned to their original localities, provided they are not aggressive or rabies-infected. The MCD hopes the increased accountability will help manage the stray dog population effectively and humanely.

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