Indian Government Directs Local Bodies to Enforce New Rules to Control Stray Dog Population

The Indian government has directed local bodies to enforce new rules to reduce the population of stray dogs.

According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, only recognized organizations should carry out the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program as per the new regulations.

The Animal Birth Control Rules of 2023 supersede the Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules of 2001 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960, following guidelines set by the Supreme Court in a case between the AWBI and People for Elimination of Stray Troubles.

As per the new rules, the sterilization and immunization of stray dogs under the ABC program needs to be carried out by the respective local bodies.

The ministry states that only organizations recognized by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) can carry out the program, and the list of such organizations will be updated regularly on the Board’s website.

The rules also outline guidelines on how to manage human and stray dog conflicts without relocating dogs to other areas. The ministry has urged local bodies to implement the rules thoroughly and not permit any organizations not recognized by the AWBI to carry out the ABC program.

Effective implementation of these regulations by local bodies will help reduce the population of stray dogs and address animal welfare issues, the ministry added.