Issue of Stray Dogs in India

Why in News?

Centre reaching out to States, Local Self-Governments (LSGs), and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to implement new Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules 2023.Triggered by rising stray dog attacks. Responsibility: LSGs & RWAs to maintain and control stray dog population.

Description:

Current Situation:

• Pet dogs in India: ~10 million.
• Stray dog population: ~35 million.
• Dogs reproduce rapidly — 90% sterilisation needed within a short period to achieve population control over 10–15 years.

Legal Framework:

1. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960:
   1. Prevents unnecessary pain/suffering to animals.
   1. Illegal to abandon pets or let them become strays.
   1. Responsibility of pet owners for animal welfare.
2. Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2001:
   1. Based on PCA Act.
   1. Sterilisation + vaccination of stray dogs.
   1. Implemented by municipalities + NGOs, funded by govt.
   1. Poor implementation so far.

Stray Dog Menace in India:

• Threat to right to life, free movement, safe environment.
• National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB- 2019): 4,146 deaths from dog bites.
• Dogs → 2nd leading cause of road accidents in urban areas.
• Wildlife impact: Major cause of biodiversity loss.
• Social conflict: Feeders vs. residents.

Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023 – Key Features:

• LSGs to conduct sterilisation & immunisation.
• Euthanasia for incurably ill/mortally wounded dogs (diagnosed by local ABC Monitoring Committee).
• Feeding spots to be designated — away from children’s play areas, entry/exit points, and senior citizen zones.
• Animal Help Centre for bite complaints.
• Accountability: Local authorities responsible for violations & animal-human conflicts.

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