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Indian Express
16 minutes ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Why, to tackle the stray dog problem, it is important to make pet owners accountable, too
The Supreme Court on Monday (August 11) directed the Delhi government, civic bodies, and authorities of Noida, Gurgaon, and Ghaziabad to round up and move stray dogs to shelters, underlining the urgency in tackling the 'grim situation'. A Bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan said: 'Infants and young children, at any cost, should not fall prey to rabies. The action should inspire confidence that they can move freely without fear of being bitten by stray dogs. No sentiments should be involved.' For many, the intervention of the top court has come as a major relief. But the intervention may not produce the desired effect without also making pet owners accountable. This is because the plight and the menace of stray dogs in India are a direct consequence of irresponsible pet rearing. There are more than 60 million stray dogs in India. Very few of them survive disease and vehicular accidents to die natural deaths. Also, someone is bitten by a dog in India every 10 seconds. This works out to more than 3 million bites a year, of which around 5,000 turn out to be fatal. Dogs spread more than 60 diseases to people. Rabies alone claims at least two human lives every three hours. More than 15,000 tonnes of dog poop and 8 million gallons of dog pee – a major health and environmental hazard – is discharged on Indian roads and fields daily. India's pet dog population was estimated at 30 million in 2024. The population of pet dogs, along with India's dog food market, has grown at 10-15% per year over the last five years. The size of the Indian pet dog industry, currently worth Rs 300 crore, is projected to double by 2030. There are upscale dog hotels such as Critterati in Gurgaon, and dog grooming parlours such as Scoopy Scrub in Delhi, Fuzzy Wuzzy in Bengaluru, and Tailwaggers in Mumbai. Companies such as Bajaj Allianz and Future Generali offer dog health insurance. While cherishing their 'best friends' at home, Indians have been far less kind to them on the street. Historically, there have been efforts to eliminate the stray dog problem by means including electrocution, poisoning, shooting, or just clubbing them to death. But long before the killing of dogs became an animal rights issue, it had become evident that short of elimination en masse, this would not have a lasting effect on the population of strays. As food becomes increasingly abundant (garbage dumps, and individual and organised feeders), the partial elimination of the stray population reduces the competition for resources and boosts breeding. Thus came the idea of sterilisation. Since 1992, NGOs such as Chennai-based Blue Cross of India, and various governments have carried out Animal Birth Control (ABC) programmes in several cities. In 2001, the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules were notified under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. However, unless at least two-thirds of a canine population is sterilised within a small (typically 6-12 months) window, ABC drives fail to have any stabilising effect. With the job left to a few NGOs, every Indian city has struggled to achieve the target that requires neutering hundreds of stray dogs every day for months. But even if that mark is hit, stray dog populations may still continue to increase. There is no national law in India that requires dog owners to register their pets. A few cities have such rules, but enforcement remains shoddy. It is not mandatory to get pets sterilised or vaccinated either. Since owners are not accountable for their dogs or their dogs' pups, hundreds of unwanted pet dogs and pups are abandoned on the street daily. Also, thousands of pet dogs are allowed to roam or break free and breed with street strays. In consequence, even as governments and NGOs continue to neuter a few dogs on the street, pet dogs, thanks to callous owners, add to the stray population. This is also why the so-called 'Indian street dog' is mostly mongrels of various crossbreeds. The solution, experts say, is to have ABC drives target pedigreed pets with high breeding frequency. The government could offer incentives to owners to get their pets registered and sterilised. A steep tax may be levied on breeding pets. The problem with petting without owning Equally irresponsible is the trend of petting dogs outside the home. In all cities, neighbourhood good samaritans feed stray dogs on the streets outside their homes or workplaces. This has the same effect as petting, and turns stray dogs territorial and aggressive. Such feeding has also created monsters of monkeys in many parts of India. Over the decades, governments cutting across party lines have sponsored the feeding of stray dogs by various organisations. In The Ecology of Stray Dogs: A Study of Free-ranging Urban Animals (1973), possibly the most authoritative work on the subject, Alan Beck wrote: 'Loose or straying pets and stray (feral) dogs are different. True stray dogs form somewhat stable packs… are more active at night and cautious about people. In general, straying pets have smaller home ranges and [are] active when people are.' This is why abandoned or proxy pet dogs on the street are more likely to be aggressive towards people who do not pet (or feed) them. Thus, not only do some pet owners contribute to the growing population of strays, they also bear responsibility for many dog attacks on people. Anticipating resistance from some quarters, the Supreme Court warned on Monday that any individual or organisation coming in the way of implementing its order would face legal action. It may widen its gaze to make pet owners and proxy pet feeders accountable when it hears the matter again after six weeks. Jay Mazoomdaar is an investigative reporter focused on offshore finance, equitable growth, natural resources management and biodiversity conservation. Over two decades, his work has been recognised by the International Press Institute, the Ramnath Goenka Foundation, the Commonwealth Press Union, the Prem Bhatia Memorial Trust, the Asian College of Journalism etc. Mazoomdaar's major investigations include the extirpation of tigers in Sariska, global offshore probes such as Panama Papers, Robert Vadra's land deals in Rajasthan, India's dubious forest cover data, Vyapam deaths in Madhya Pradesh, mega projects flouting clearance conditions, Nitin Gadkari's link to e-rickshaws, India shifting stand on ivory ban to fly in African cheetahs, the loss of indigenous cow breeds, the hydel rush in Arunachal Pradesh, land mafias inside Corbett, the JDY financial inclusion scheme, an iron ore heist in Odisha, highways expansion through the Kanha-Pench landscape etc. ... Read More
India Today
5 days ago
- Health
- India Today
India's alarming animal bite cases highlight urgent need for rabies control
India has seen a worrying surge in animal bite cases, especially those caused by stray and authorities are raising alarms about the link between these bites and rabies, a deadly disease that can almost always be prevented with timely Rise in Animal Bite CasesIn 2024 alone, India recorded over 22 lakh (2.2 million) dog bite cases and more than 5 lakh cases involving other animals like monkeys. Reports indicate that nearly 20% of bite victims are children under the age of 15, making this a serious public health concern. The trend is especially visible in urban areas, but rural regions are also heavily Some cities and states have seen dramatic jumps in reported bites. For example, Noida witnessed a 31% increase in cases in a single year, and Ludhiana's numbers have more than doubled since 2021. Across the nation, cases have jumped by nearly 70% from 2022 to 2024. With millions of reported bites each year and the numbers still climbing, the risk of rabies exposure has sharply Is This Happening?The main culprits behind human rabies are stray dogs, which account for about 96% of cases in India. Several challenges make the problem worse:Unchecked stray animal population, especially dogsInadequate animal birth control and vaccination programsLack of public awareness of how to prevent bites and seek help after exposurePoor access in some areas to anti-rabies clinics and life-saving treatmentsThe Danger of RabiesRabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms set in, but it is entirely preventable if treated immediately after an animal bite. On average, dozens of people die from rabies every year in India, with children and the elderly at higher risk. The real number could be higher, as not all cases get Can Be Done?Experts and health authorities are calling for urgent, coordinated measures:Mass dog vaccination: This is the most effective way to control rabies at its source. States like Goa have shown that targeting dog vaccination and population management can lead to a sharp drop in human rabies animal population control: Animal Birth Control (ABC) programs are being expanded and are essential for long-term public awareness: People need to know that washing animal bite wounds with soap and seeking medical help immediately can save and accessible anti-rabies treatment: More anti-rabies clinics are being set up, and vaccination and immune globulin are provided free through national programs like the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP).Rapid response for bite cases: Prompt administration of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and, in some cases, rabies InitiativesIndia has launched the National Action Plan for the Elimination of Dog-Mediated Rabies (NAPRE) with a target to be rabies-free by 2030. The government is also pushing for strict enforcement of rules on animal welfare and dog population Should You Do If Bitten?Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and a healthcare facility for immediate anti-rabies the full vaccination schedule as advised by the incident to the authorities if it involves a stray bites in India have become a public health crisis, with millions at risk of a deadly but preventable disease. Stronger rabies prevention, more effective animal control, and public education are urgently needed to save lives and work towards a rabies-free future(Dr. Sadanand D Raut is a consultant physician and renowned animal bite (snakebite) expert based at Vighnahar Nursing Home, Narayangaon, Pune, celebrated for his pioneering work in snakebite treatment and Mission Zero Snakebite Deaths. He and his team have saved thousands of lives in rural Maharashtra, earning him recognition on the World Health Organization's roster of experts for snakebite envenoming.- Ends
News18
16-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Euthanasia For Animals With Incurable Diseases: Kerala Announces Plan To Tackle Stray Dog Menace
Last Updated: Kerala government has announced it will invoke Section 8 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rules, 2023, which allows for euthanasia of animals under specific circumstances. In a decisive move to address the growing menace of stray dogs, the Kerala government has announced that it will invoke Section 8 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Animal Husbandry Practices and Procedures) Rules, 2023, which allows for euthanasia of animals under specific circumstances. The decision was made during a joint meeting involving the Local Self Government Department (LSGD), Animal Husbandry, and Law Departments. Local Self Government Minister MB Rajesh clarified that the state will strictly follow the legal provisions laid out in the 2023 rules. As per Section 8, euthanasia can be administered to animals that are either mortally wounded or suffering from incurable diseases, provided a certified veterinary practitioner confirms the condition and written consent is obtained from the animal's owner or custodian. The rule is primarily intended to curb the spread of diseases and relieve animals from prolonged suffering. One of the key challenges identified in addressing the stray dog crisis is public opposition to Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres. To combat this, the state has decided to take legal action against individuals or groups disrupting the functioning of these centres. Minister Rajesh stated that local bodies can file complaints with the police, and criminal cases will be registered against those who interfere. To improve the reach and efficiency of sterilisation efforts, the state will roll out 152 portable ABC units at the block level. Each unit, costing Rs 28 lakh, will be procured by local self-government bodies. The Animal Husbandry Department has already placed an order for a pilot mobile ABC centre, which is expected to be operational within 120 days. Local bodies are tasked with identifying suitable sites for deployment in the meantime. Kerala Animal Husbandry Minister J Chinchurani expressed optimism that the mobility of these new units may reduce public resistance. She also announced a month-long vaccination campaign for stray dogs to be launched in August, followed by a similar drive for pet dogs in September. These campaigns will be carried out jointly by the LSGD and Animal Husbandry departments. To ensure smooth implementation, all-party committees will be formed at the local level. The coordinated approach reflects Kerala's commitment to managing the stray dog issue through a mix of legal provisions, community engagement, and enhanced veterinary infrastructure. view comments First Published: July 16, 2025, 17:04 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hindu
26-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Chennai Corporation to refurbish kennels at three ABC centres for ₹3.91 crore
Refurbishment of kennels and cages at the three Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres in Chennai — Pulianthope, Lloyds Colony, and Kannammapet — has been proposed at an estimated cost of ₹3.91 crore. The ABCs will have a total of 460 stainless steel kennels to house stray dogs: 140 each in Pulianthope and Kannamapettai and 180 at the Lloyds Road centre, according to officials. At Kannammapet in Kodambakkam Zone (X), civil repairs and supply of stainless steel kennels and cages are to be undertaken at a cost of ₹74.52 lakh, and the contract period is six months. The same has been planned at Pulianthope of Zone Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar at an estimated ₹1.76 crore, and Lloyds Colony under Teynampet Zone (IX) at ₹1.41 crore. According to officials, the project aims at renewing the old cages at these existing ABC centres. The work is as part of Chennai-Care for Animals Project (C-CAP) to improve mass sterilisation and immunisation. According to the data compiled with the help of a sight survey done by volunteers of Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) and released in September 2024 by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), the city street dog population stands at 1.8 lakh, a significant increase from 57,366 dogs in 2021. The data show that the Ambattur Zone (VII) has the highest number of street dogs, and the Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar Zone (VI) has the highest density of street dogs per kilometre. Data from the GCC revealed that 6,194 dogs were caught as of April 22 this year. Of them, 5,661 were sterilised.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
New ABC Centre set to regulate stray dog population in Gorakhpur
Gorakhpur: In a significant step towards controlling the growing population of stray animals in Gorakhpur, a state-of-the-art Animal Birth Control (ABC) and Dog Care Centre has been constructed in Amwa area of Gulriha. Spread over 1,700 square metres, the facility has been built at a cost of Rs 2.55 crore and is likely to be inaugurated soon by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, official sources said. The centre will be operated by the Charitable Welfare Society for Humankind and Animals and is designed to bolster the city's animal health and welfare services. Robin Chandra, chief veterinary and welfare officer of Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation (GMC) , has already assumed charge of the centre. According to Additional Municipal Commissioner Shivpujan Yadav, the centre has the capacity to sterilise 41 stray dogs and care for 30 dogs on a daily basis. To make the facility self-sustainable, a pet shop, pet salon, and a dog park have also been developed on the premises. However, officials noted that the narrow access road leading to the centre poses a challenge, and efforts are underway to widen it. The inauguration date will be finalised in coordination with the Chief Minister's availability. Between March 19 and May 16, a special drive conducted by the Municipal Corporation led to the capture of 1,127 stray dogs, of which 1,114 were sterilised and vaccinated against rabies before being released back into their respective areas. Additionally, 1,020 monkeys were captured from urban localities and safely relocated to forested zones, officials said. Officials believe the new centre will play a vital role in regulating the stray animal population, improving their health and safety, and ultimately reducing human-animal conflicts. This initiative is expected to create a safer and more harmonious environment for city residents.
