Local bodies can euthanise sick & dangerous strays
The meeting, co-chaired by animal husbandry minister Chinchurani, was convened to address the rising stray dog menace in state.
A health department report had put the number of dog bite cases between Jan and April this year at 1,31,244. Sixteen deaths due to dog bites occurred between Jan and May 2025, five of them despite vaccination. There were 26 deaths in 2024 and 25 in 2023.
Rajesh said local self-govt institutions (LSGIs) could carry out euthanasia, provided a veterinary doctor certified the animal as "dangerous or hopelessly ill."
The govt's decision relies on provisions in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Animal Husbandry Practices and Procedures) Rules, 2023.
According to the ministers, Section 8 of these rules permits euthanasia if an animal is dangerous, terminally ill or poses a risk of spreading disease. The law also allows the killing of an injured or ailing animal if prolonging its life would amount to cruelty, taking into account its suffering and the potential threat it poses to other animals or people.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
ED? Not For Today's Senior Men
Men's Health
Learn More
Undo
Rajesh said the govt was compelled to explore these provisions as the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules impose severe restrictions on managing the stray dog population. He said the state would continue to seek relaxation of these rules to help ABC activities gain momentum. Citing public protests against ABC centres as a major hurdle, he warned of strict action against those disrupting their operations.
To tackle public opposition to permanent ABC units, the govt plans to deploy mobile units. Rajesh said efforts would be made to fast-track pet dog licensing. The vaccination drive for stray dogs is scheduled for Aug, followed by the registration and vaccination of pet dogs in Sept, he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
Under this Punjab horse's white coat lurks a killer secret
The Nukra, Punjab's famed spotless white horse, is more than an animal. With its milky white coat, it is poetry in motion; it has been stitched into ballads, weddings, and battle cries — a symbol of pride, power, and divine grace. But behind the shimmering coat of the beloved Nukra is a heart-breaking tale of misplaced vanity. At first glance, the Nukra looks like a dream. Creampink skin that glows in the sun. Eyes deep and dark. A gait that commands awe. Bred to be flawless, they now ride through social media feeds, wedding processions and village fairs, their very presence breathing wealth and prestige. But beneath that radiance lies a quiet tragedy. 'These horses are suffering, but people are too dazzled to see that,' sighs Dr Arun Anand, head of surgery at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU). 'What we're witnessing is beauty turned against itself.' Nukras are not a separate breed — they're albino variants of the native Marwari horse. Their rise to fame is recent: around 50 years ago, a rare unpigmented foal was born. Since then, breeders — responding to rising demand — began selecting for spotless white coats, ignoring everything else. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dog licks arent kisses. Heres what your dog really means when it licks you. Cleverst Undo That single-minded focus has led to severe inbreeding, weakening immune systems, and increasing susceptibility to life-threatening conditions. At GADVASU, up to 30% of all sick horses brought in are Nukras. Anand ticks the issues off: 'Skin cancer. Eye tumours. Genital cancers. Sarcoids in foals younger than four. It's heart-breaking.' The root cause? A lack of melanin, the natural pigment that shields skin from sun damage. Without it, these horses are defenceless in the very sun they were bred to shine under. 'Now, people want the 'perfect' horse for a photo,' says Manu Sharma, a Patiala-based breeder and equine photographer. 'You see these stunning Nukras online, but nobody talks about what they're going through.' Sharma, who once bred Nukras himself, says demand exploded after elite families in Delhi and Mumbai began hiring them for weddings. Veterinarians across Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan have rung alarm bells. But the market remains strong — some Nukras sell for several lakhs of rupees, despite their declining health. 'It's not too late,' says Anand. 'But we need to love horses for more than their colour. We need to protect the animal, not the idea.' Until then, the Nukra rides on — fragile and admired — in a world that sees only the shine, not the scars.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
How Hepatitis D virus can cause liver cancer: Know its symptoms, risks, causes, and more
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have officially classified the Hepatitis D virus (HDV) as carcinogenic to humans. This places HDV alongside Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C as major causes of liver cancer. The reclassification is based on increasing evidence of HDV's severe health risks, especially its role in accelerating liver damage and cancer in co-infected individuals. This important update emphasises the urgent need for better awareness, expanded testing, and improved treatment options to combat HDV and reduce the global burden of liver cancer and liver-related deaths. Understanding Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) and its symptoms Hepatitis D is a unique and dangerous virus that requires the presence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) to infect and replicate. HDV cannot infect people on its own; it "hijacks" the HBV infection process, resulting in more severe liver disease when both viruses coexist. Symptoms of HDV infection often overlap with other liver diseases and can be easily overlooked. Common signs include: Fatigue and weakness Nausea and loss of appetite Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the upper right side Dark-coloured urine Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) Unexplained weight loss Fever Because symptoms may be mild or mistaken for other illnesses, many individuals delay seeking medical care, increasing the risk of serious liver damage. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Signs Of Heart Attack That Shouldn't Be Ignored (Take A Look) TheDaddest Undo What causes Hepatitis D virus infection HDV spreads primarily through direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. Common modes of transmission include: Infected blood transfusions or blood products Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person Sharing needles or syringes among people who inject drugs Unsafe medical procedures involving non-sterile equipment Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth (less common) Because HDV can only infect individuals already carrying HBV, anyone with chronic hepatitis B is at risk of contracting HDV. Who is at risk of Hepatitis D Infection Populations at higher risk for HDV infection include: People living in regions with high HBV prevalence such as parts of Asia, Africa, and the Amazon Basin People who inject drugs and share needles Patients receiving haemodialysis or undergoing frequent blood transfusions Individuals with multiple sexual partners or those who engage in unprotected sex Infants born to mothers infected with both HBV and HDV Awareness and screening in these groups are essential for early detection Global impact: How widespread is Hepatitis D According to the WHO, over 300 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis B, C, or D, contributing to about 1.3 million deaths annually, mostly from liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. About 5% of chronic HBV carriers, roughly 12 million people worldwide, are co-infected with HDV. Why is Hepatitis D considered dangerous Co-infection with HDV dramatically worsens liver health outcomes. Research shows: HDV increases the risk of liver cancer by two to six times compared with HBV infection alone. Up to 75% of chronic HDV patients develop liver cirrhosis within 15 years, which is significantly higher than HBV-only cases. HDV accelerates liver inflammation and damage, raising the risk of severe complications and death. Current treatment options for Hepatitis D While chronic HBV infection can be managed with lifelong antiviral therapies, treatment options for HDV are limited but improving: Bulevirtide: Approved in Europe, this antiviral helps block HDV entry into liver cells, improving outcomes, especially when combined with pegylated interferon. Pegylated interferon: Sometimes used to suppress HDV replication, but effectiveness varies. No specific hepatitis D vaccine exists; prevention depends on hepatitis B vaccination, which protects against both HBV and HDV infections. Progress in global hepatitis B vaccination and testing Vaccination remains the most effective prevention method. As of 2025: 129 countries have adopted hepatitis B testing for pregnant women (up from 106 in 2024). 147 countries provide the hepatitis B birth dose vaccine (up from 138 in 2022). These efforts are critical to preventing HBV and consequently HDV transmission. Expert recommendations to combat Hepatitis D To achieve WHO's hepatitis elimination goals by 2030, health authorities must: Scale up hepatitis B vaccination coverage worldwide Ensure universal testing of HBV-positive individuals for HDV Expand access to novel HDV therapies and affordable medicines Strengthen healthcare infrastructure and data systems Combat stigma and discrimination around viral hepatitis to encourage testing and treatment Meeting these goals could save 2.8 million lives and prevent 9.8 million new infections by 2030. Also read | Testicular cancer symptoms men often miss: Know the risks, treatment options, and what to watch for
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
How India's ancient holistic health wisdom is transforming Western wellness
Yoga and Ayurveda, ancient Indian holistic practices, are gaining significant traction in the West as individuals seek alternatives to conventional medicine. These traditions, emphasizing mind-body balance and natural remedies, address chronic illnesses and promote overall well-being. Despite challenges like cultural appropriation, their growing popularity signifies a shift towards integrated healthcare approaches globally. In the 21st century, the world faces unprecedented health challenges, from chronic lifestyle diseases to soaring mental health concerns. As modern medicine often addresses symptoms rather than root causes, many in the West are turning to holistic health approaches that seek balance between body, mind, and spirit. At the forefront of this movement is India's ancient health wisdom, particularly the practices of yoga and Ayurveda . The past few decades have seen an accelerating Western embrace of these traditions, which originated thousands of years ago on Indian soil. The growing Global footprint of Yoga Image : Canva Yoga, once considered a mystical discipline practiced in Himalayan ashrams, is now a household word worldwide. Its journey from Sanskrit scriptures to New York studios is a story of remarkable cultural diffusion and reinterpretation. In the United States alone, tens of millions practice yoga regularly, not just for physical fitness but also for mental clarity, stress reduction, and spiritual growth. This global popularity peaked symbolically in 2015, when the United Nations declared June 21st as International Day of Yoga, a move spearheaded by India. Yoga's appeal in the West lies in its holistic focus. Unlike purely physical forms of exercise, yoga melds breath, movement, and meditation, encouraging practitioners to find harmony within themselves and their environment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo Scientific studies have increasingly recognized yoga's benefits, including lower stress levels and improved cardiovascular health. For many Westerners, yoga represents a gentle rebellion against quick fixes and pharmaceutical solutions, offering instead a path of self-care and internal transformation. The rise of Ayurveda in modern healthcare Image: Canva Parallel to yoga's ascent is the growing curiosity about Ayurveda, India's traditional medical system. Ayurveda, meaning 'the science of life,' takes a comprehensive view of health, emphasizing balance among body, mind, and environment. Its toolkit includes plant-based remedies, dietary guidance, massage, and detoxification techniques. In recent years, Ayurvedic principles have entered wellness conversations across Europe and America. Clinics offering panchakarma detox therapies, Ayurvedic-inspired diets, and herbal formulations from India are gaining traction. Western companies now produce and sell turmeric lattes, ashwagandha supplements, and herbal teas, a testament to Ayurveda's soft power. Although rigorous scientific validation of all Ayurvedic practices remains ongoing, holistic concepts like dosha balance and detoxification resonate with a growing demographic seeking alternatives to rigid, reductionist medical models. Why the West needs holistic cure today Image: Canva Rapid technological progress and urbanization have changed lifestyles dramatically, but not always for the better. Chronic illnesses, including diabetes, hypertension, and depression, have surged in the West. Often, Western medicine delivers acute care and lifesaving interventions, but it may struggle to address prevention, mind-body unity, and the long-term resilience that holistic health traditions foster. India's approach, integrating physical wellness, dietary practices, mental balance, environment, and spirituality offers a blueprint for responding to today's health crises. By focusing on root causes and individual constitution, holistic practices encourage people to take charge of their well-being beyond symptom management. Wellness is not viewed as a destination, but as a continuous journey involving daily habits, mindfulness, and alignment with nature. Indian holistic health and the modern consumer This Indian wellness wave has also influenced Western consumer culture. The global yoga apparel and gear market is worth billions, and Ayurvedic brands have a growing international footprint. Western celebrities endorse meditation and Ayurvedic clean diets, further propelling the trend. Notably, Indian conglomerates such as Patanjali Ayurved have played a critical role in popularising Ayurveda and natural wellness products both within India and abroad, impacting global markets with their vast range of Ayurvedic offerings. Yet the appeal goes deeper than commercial success. As more people question pharmaceutical overreach, environmental degradation, and the deep psychological toll of modern life, India's holistic approaches offer hope. They address people as complex, integrated beings something missing in many medical paradigms. Challenges and future horizons Of course, the migration of Indian wellness to the West is not without complications. Cultural appropriation, quality control of imported medicines and supplements, and the dilution or distortion of traditional practices pose real challenges. The scientific community also urges caution, calling for more rigorous research into the safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic therapies. Nevertheless, the story is overwhelmingly positive. Cross-cultural exchange enriches both the giver and receiver. India's ancient wisdom has sparked new conversations about health worldwide, reminding humanity that true well-being is not just the absence of disease but the presence of harmony. From yoga studios in Toronto to Ayurvedic clinics in Berlin, India's holistic health philosophy is making its mark across continents. In a world hungry for balance, resilience, and integration of body and mind, these time-tested traditions are more relevant than ever. The global embrace of yoga and Ayurveda is not just a passing wellness fad, it's a sign that holistic approaches, rooted in respect for both science and spirit, are shaping the future of health.
