‘ABC’ of street dog population management Rules and their effective implementation

Effective street dog population management through birth control surgeries is the only humane, sustainable, and effective approach to controlling stray dog population.

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IN March, the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying rolled out the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023 for the management of street dog population, with provisions seeking to establish a uniform redressal mechanism for human–canine conflict. The Rules also provide for basic care such as food, water and vaccinations, towards reducing the risk of zoonoses.

Effective street dog population management through birth control surgeries is the only humane, sustainable and effective approach to controlling stray dog population. A robust immunisation protocol incorporated into the programme benefits not only dogs, but also the human population living in an area.

Several animal birth control programmes for street dogs have been implemented in different parts of the world, including effective programmes in Mexico and Chile. The program in India, which involves capturing street dogs, sterilising them, vaccinating them against rabies, and then releasing them back into their original location, has been successful in reducing the number of stray dogs in some cities and towns. The ABC programme has been mandated by law since 2001, yet its success is limited to a few areas. What, then, is the missing link?

The primary goal of such programmes is to control and manage the street dog population in a humane and effective manner, rather than eradicating it completely. History and experience tells us eliminating street dogs entirely is difficult, and misguided attempts to do so through the culling of dogs is not only cruel but also ineffective.

Also read: Stray dogs: From 'ownerless' to 'community-owned'

ABC Rules, 2023

Most people who feed and care for street dogs don't have access to veterinary care and resources to transport them. Instead, providing low-cost birth control ensures that these dogs don't reproduce. Additionally, when considering individual animal welfare, it is pertinent to note that sterilisation prevents sexually transmitted diseases, reduces the risk of communicable diseases, and improves overall health, especially in female dogs

Successful animal birth control programmes for street dogs must involve a combination of sterilisation, vaccination and education. The ABC Rules, 2023 strive for street dog population management, with the added component of disease control. Gaps in terms of monitoring, community animal care-giving (community involvement), and the role of bodies or committees to ensure uniform implementation from the ABC (Dogs) Rules, 2001 are addressed in these Rules.

Sterilisation is a key component of the programme, and is a humane method for reducing the number of stray dogs in a given area over time. In addition to sterilisation, ABC programmes must include vaccination against rabies, which is a major concern in India. By preventing an increase in their population through humane sterilisation and immunisation efforts, we can help to reduce the incidence of dog bites and other public health risks associated with stray dogs.

However, without strategic planning and the data-driven approach needed to scale up the programme, its sporadic execution in select cities will continue to yield no results. There is a need to lay emphasis on stricter implementation and execution.

Also read: Allahabad HC puts in abeyance its direction seeking removal of stray dogs from city precincts

Multipronged approach

Several interventions must run parallel to the ABC programme. Intact pets that are allowed to roam freely or may have been abandoned mate with street dogs, contributing to the population. Laws that regulate breeding, and mandate responsible ownership, that is, the spaying or neutering and vaccination of pet animals, play a crucial role in this respect.

The Union government, in notifying the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2017 and through the ABC Rules, in classifying dogs (Rule 7 of the 2023 Rules) and allocating the responsibility of sterilisation of pets to their owners (Rule 8 of the 2023 Rules), has addressed these gaps. Combined with this, public awareness campaigns can help educate people about the importance of responsible pet ownership and the negative impacts of abandoning pets. These campaigns can also encourage people to report stray dogs to local animal control authorities.

To remove dogs from streets and place them in homes, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation has issued policies to incentivise the adoption of street dogs. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation is also attempting to promote adoption. Such adoption programmes, in collaboration with the efforts of ABC implementing agencies and rescue organisations to place street dogs with families who are willing to adopt them, will further reduce the number of stray dogs on the streets. 

Costs

Imagine permanently confining street dogs in centres built for this purpose. Factor in the cost of developing and maintaining the infrastructure, catching dogs, and the care and maintenance of dogs, including food, water and veterinary care for 10–12 years. 

Sterilisation and immunisation is a far more cost-effective approach to controlling the stray dog population than culling or relocation. It also reduces the need for expensive and time-consuming dog control measures in the long run.

Also read: Delhi HC lays down guidelines for feeding community dogs; says RWA, govt authorities duty bound to ensure food, water for them

Responsibility ultimately lies with all of us 

The responsibility of ensuring animal welfare, public health and safety is squarely on our government. The ABC Rules create the impetus for resource development and implementation. Addressing the human–canine conflict requires sustained funding and effort from the government, organisations and local communities.

The policy has only just been amended, with the purpose to address gaps such as inconsistent execution, the lack of monitoring, funding, and ambiguity over allocation of responsibility. It cannot be expected to achieve its purpose overnight.

Being kind to street dogs is not only the right thing to do, but it also benefits public health, community well-being and safety. By treating street dogs with compassion and respect, we can create a more harmonious and humane society for all.