Goa, Jan. 9 -- The Supreme Court was informed on Wednesday that removing stray dogs from public spaces could impose a massive financial burden on the government, with estimated costs running as high as Rs.26,800 crore annually.

Senior advocate Krishnan Venugopal, appearing on behalf of animal welfare expert Gauri Mulekhi, presented detailed cost estimates based on government data before the apex court. Mulekhi, regarded as one of the country's leading experts on stray dog management, has worked extensively with four states, including Uttar Pradesh.

Venugopal highlighted the success of the "Lucknow Model," which has reportedly led to a significant reduction in the stray dog population through systematic sterilisation and vaccination. He ...