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The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has strongly denied allegations that it removed free-roaming dogs from the Baridhara DOHS area. In a statement issued today, the city corporation expressed deep concern over recent reports in The Daily Star and on social media, which claimed that DOHS authorities had removed stray dogs. DNCC categorically stated that it has not conducted any such activity and does not endorse such practices.

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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.

These allegations surfaced following reports that residents and animal welfare activists had raised concerns about the relocation of dogs in Baridhara DOHS. Members of Animal Welfare of Baridhara DOHS, a resident-led group, alleged that notices issued by the Baridhara DOHS Parishad calling for dog relocation and restricting pet movement were unlawful. Samiul Hasan, a resident, claimed that approximately 13 to 15 dogs disappeared from the area after a van collected them on June 10, expressing uncertainty about their fate.

DNCC clarified that removing stray dogs from specific areas is neither a scientific nor a sustainable method for controlling street dog populations. Instead, the corporation advocates for the CNVR (Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release) approach, which it is currently implementing in its areas with the support of 33 voluntary organizations. The city corporation also reminded the public that cruelty to animals, unnecessary killing, abandonment, and illegal removal are punishable offenses under the Animal Welfare Act, 2019.

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The DNCC took the dogs. Our Parishad did nothing.

Further detailing its commitment to animal welfare, DNCC reported that approximately 21,133 dogs, about 80 percent of the dog population in its jurisdiction, were vaccinated against rabies during a mass vaccination program in 2020-21. Additionally, around 25,000 dogs were sterilized between 2014 and 2025. The DNCC urged residents to treat dogs, cats, and other community animals with humane and compassionate behavior, providing channels for submitting complaints regarding stray animals through its website and hotline.

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removing ownerless dogs from a specific area is not a scientific, practical, or sustainable method of controlling street dog populations.