With around 95,000 stray dogs and 30,000 monkeys inflicting regular assaults and property damage, Meerut is dealing with an increasingly serious stray animal situation. The seriousness of the problem is shown by the fact that PL Sharma District Hospital administers more than 150 anti-rabies shots per day.

Public annoyance is rising as a result of the city’s Animal Birth Control Center’s inability to keep up, sterilizing about 10–15 dogs every day, significantly less than the 300 that are needed. Residents are taking precautions on their own because they don’t trust the Municipal Corporation’s reaction.

The growing need for specialty car coverings designed to shield cars from animal-induced dents and scratches is one example of this. These coverings, which range in price from Rs 800 to Rs 3,000, come with alternatives like plastic spikes to keep animals away, alcohol-infused fabrics to repel them with aroma, and slick surfaces to discourage grabbing.

Sales of these coverings have significantly increased, according to retailers, which reflects the locals’ rising annoyance and anxiety. The situation is still grave even if the Municipal Corporation says it is trying to increase sterilization capacity.