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Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Unscientific and inhumane': Activists say Supreme Court order goes against govt's 2023 rule; Peta for effective sterilisation programme
NEW DELHI: Animal welfare activists argued on Monday that the SC order was in violation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, issued by the central govt. These rules do not endorse the shifting of dogs from the localities where they are caught. The activists also pointed out that Delhi-NCR does not have a single govt-run dog shelter. They also wondered how dogs could be shifted without a headcount of an area's canine population. "The logical way is to first conduct a dog census, arrive at a coherent definition of 'aggressive dogs', then shift them to shelters," said animal activist Sonya Ghosh. tnn 'Order shows misunderstanding of issue' You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi Ghosh felt that the order would put the central govt and the judiciary in conflict if the directive on relocation of dogs was to be implemented. "The ABC Rules do not permit the permanent relocation of strays," Ghosh said. "It seems that there is a lack of awareness on the court's part that, at present, there are no govt shelters for dogs in the region. Eight weeks is a very short time to set up the required shelters. Also, the civic bodies lack the manpower required for action." Alokparna Sengupta, managing director, Humane World for Animals India, said the directive to round up dogs was both scientifically unsound and practically unachievable. "This approach demonstrates a misunderstanding of the issue, law and the science that governs it. Particularly since govt hasn't successfully implemented birth control programmes, which should be the primary focus rather than simply relocating the dogs," said Sengupta. Peta India similarly felt that an efficient sterilisation programme would be a better option. In a statement, it said, "If Delhi govt implemented an effective dog sterilisation programme, there would hardly be any dogs on the road today. It isn't too late to start control programmes. Instead of wasting time, effort and public resources on ineffective and inhumane displacement drives, an effective sterilisation programme is still the solution and urgent need. " Peta said other important measures would include the closure of illegal pet shops and breeders that contribute to animal abandonment. It also batted for encouraging the public to take in a dog in need from an animal shelter or off the street. Advocate Nanita Sharma, who regularly takes up dog-related cases, said the order was unprecedented and against the law laid down by the Supreme Court as well as the high courts. "ABC Rules are the only effective, humane and sustainable approach to managing the dog population in India. However, the authorities haven't performed their statutory duties or seriously conducted sterilisation programmes in spite of lakhs of rupees being granted for this particular purpose. This is not a dog menace, but a human menace of corruption and apathy," Sharma said. Meanwhile, the dog-loving community staged a protest to condemn the court order. The protest started near the court premises before moving to India Gate around 6.30pm. The protest, led by animal activist Manavi Rai, was eventually dispersed by Delhi Police at India Gate. A police officer said 25-30 people were detained while protesting on Janpath. Chinchil Gupta said, "This order should not have been given in a country that believes in peaceful coexistence. Just because these poor creatures can't speak for themselves, they can't be evicted from our localities. As for rabies, the cases will subside with proper vaccination and sterilisation, so the civic authorities should focus on that." A lawyer, who wished not to be identified, added, "I have no issue with changing the ABC Rules as it's incapable of addressing the situation. But ordering the removal of all the community dogs from residential localities to shelters, whether they are vaccinated or not, is an extreme step I didn't expect." Rahul Sharma, another animal supporter, echoed the sentiment. "What's not sitting well with me is why a dog needs to be relocated if it's vaccinated and sterilised. Once vaccinated and sterilised, it's not a rabies threat nor does it breed," he argued. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Odisha: Social outfits go the extra mile to protect strays
Representative image Besides govt bodies, several private organizations are also going the extra mile when it comes to animal welfare, as was evident during the recent floods that swept across Balasore and its neighbouring districts and a Bhubaneswar-based organisation, in collaboration with Yuva Vikas Foundation, distributed over 36,000kg of emergency feed for 12,000 animals in the severely affected blocks of Baliapal and Bhograi. 'The situation was dire. Animals were confined in waterlogged shelters and were suffering from various illnesses, with no access to proper fodder or veterinary care. The challenge was amplified by three consecutive floods within two weeks, leaving people with no time to replenish fodder resources,' Jaihari A K, coordinator of Humane World for Animals India's disaster management team, said as he recalled the relief efforts. 'It was one of the worst floods the region had witnessed in recent times and we are happy that we could rescue the animals and take care of them.' Similarly, Chandrasekhar Dash and his team in Bhubaneswar have set up a rescue facility in Patiagarh, which is capable of housing 50 animals at a time. 'We have rescued over 1,000 animals in five years. We have volunteers who are actively attending to distress calls for animals, especially stray cattle and dogs,' Dash said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says CNA Read More Undo Organizations like Rehabitat Foundation, Kalinga Yuva Sen and People for Animals Bhubaneswar also continue to strengthen the city's animal welfare infrastructure, working alongside the civic body in birth control activities for stray dogs and in rescuing them from different distress situations. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
The Hindu
24-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Community Health Officers trained as first responders to snakebites in Mysuru
A five-day training on snakebite management was conducted with 280 Community Health Officers, who were equipped to be the first responders to snakebites in Mysuru district. The training programme was conducted recently by the District Surveillance Unit Office of the Department of Health and Family Welfare in Mysuru, in collaboration with Humane World for Animals India (formerly Humane Society International India), and Liana Trust. A release said that the training covered essential information on primary treatment and emergency management of snakebites, and is an attempt to address a major public health concern in the country. It is reckoned that an estimated 58,000 people die due to snakebites, and around 2,00,000 people suffer from life-altering health issues in India every year, the release said. The training programme has helped to provide knowledge to community officers which will not only save human lives, but also prevent killing of snakes by people, out of fear, the authorities added. The training of the 280 Community Health Officers was conducted for five days, and they were drawn from all the taluks of the district. They were given extensive information on topics such as commonly encountered venomous snakes, identifying signs of snakebite, prevention strategies, do's and don'ts during a bite incident, the importance of coexistence with snakes in rural areas, and the psychological and socio-economic impact of snakebites on families and individuals. District Surveillance Officer D.G. Nagaraj pointed out that Community Health Officers are the primary responders to community health problems and serve as a key link between rural communities and public health systems. Hence, training them on snake bite management was vital, he said. He said that there are nearly 330 Community Health Officers in Mysuru, and all of them are now trained as first responders to snakebite and its management. Jerry Martin, founder and trustee of Liana Trust, which is striving to address and resolve human-wildlife conflict, said while research into developing new treatments and improving existing ones is ongoing, the role of community education in preventing bites and deaths is just as important. According to Sumanth Bindumadhav, director of Wildlife Protection at Humane World for Animals India, if community members have the correct information, snakebites can be prevented, human lives can be saved, and cruelty towards snakes can also be curtailed. Humane World for Animals India and Liana Trust have been working with Mysuru district since 2018 to make the city a model for snakebite prevention and management strategies through ecological studies, social surveys, community outreach, policy reform, and institutional capacity building. In February 2024, Karnataka became the first Indian state to declare snakebite as a notifiable disease, the release added.
Time of India
29-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Trained for trouble: Why exotic dogs need ‘paw-sitive' parenting; behaviour issues rise as instinct clashes with space, trainers now focus on preparing pet parents, not just pups
Hyderabad's pet parents are facing challenges raising exotic dog breeds in urban environments. A mismatch between the dogs' instincts and apartment living leads to behavioral issues. Hyderabad's pet parents are finding out the hard way that raising exotic breeds isn't all cuddles and Instagram posts. With meltdowns on the rise, it's the humans who are now heading to obedience school, finds Amisha Rajani. With rising incomes and aspirational lifestyles, urban pet parents in Hyderabad are increasingly bringing home exotic dogs, from Kangals and Rottweilers to Great Danes, Huskies, Saint Bernards and Mastiffs. But as these high-energy, protective working-line dogs settle into small apartments, a mismatch is brewing between instinct and environment. The result? A spike in behavioural issues with pets, and a new urban trend where it's not just the dogs being trained, but their parents too. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad Dog trainers and behaviourists across the city say they've seen a marked shift in recent years. 'Owners themselves are signing up for sessions to understand how to raise their exotic dogs responsibly. Many pet parents are reaching out even before buying a pup,' says Anand Janampally, trainer at Happy Dogs Boarding and Training School. Decoding owners' mindset 'They are willing to learn, so we customise sessions based on the breed. We also ask about the owner's nature—are they short-tempered or overly sensitive? Do they live in an apartment? Are there kids? What's their daily schedule? How are the neighbours? Based on this, we suggest the kind of boundaries, routines, exercises, diets that need to be put in place,' he adds. 'Training exotic breeds isn't just about obedience, it's about decoding their psychology, understanding their original purpose, and preparing owners for the reality of parenting a demanding breed, which is not used to a 2BHK or 3BHK of an upscale gated community,' he says. A survey by Humane World for Animals India found that popular breeds in Hyderabad include Labrador Retrievers, Pomeranians, Golden Retrievers, and Shih Tzus. 'These are popular for their adaptability,' says Piyush Patel, director of companion animals and engagement at the organisation. 'But we recorded many owners choosing larger, high-maintenance breeds like Rottweilers, Dogo Argentinos, Great Danes, and Saint Bernards. We found that these breeds, often considered 'exotic' in the Indian context, are owned by individuals who may not be prepared for the care requirements these breeds demand,' he adds. That's where things start to unravel, especially for first-time dog owners. 'If they are adopting a dog, that too an exotic breed, we simply discourage them from going ahead,' says Panneeru Teja, a dog behaviourist. 'For instance, Saint Bernards and Huskies aren't built for India's hot and humid climate. Similarly, each breed has different needs. When those needs aren't met, dogs develop behavioural issues. That's why we're increasingly seeing cases of abandonment, when owners simply can't cope,' Teja explains. Seeing a spurt in cases of parents being unable to care for these breeds, behaviourists have started designing training plans for parents based on each breed's purpose. 'We teach parents various impulse control techniques, structured games, and socialisation techniques that introduce them to different types of people, situations, and reactions. These things must be done before they bring the dog home. Most dog owners come after their dog develops issues, and it becomes tough to train them,' says Vinod Poyilath, behaviour consultant at Woof Buddies. Who Let The Dogs In (to Tiny Flats)? 'Breeds like Kangals which are Turkish livestock guardians or Alabais from Central Asia, were bred to protect property. If you treat them like an indie dog, you're setting them and yourself up for frustration and failure,' he adds. 'Such breeds need large spaces to roam. They may also start becoming fiercely protective of humans and spaces that don't need to be protected, becoming a danger to the public,' Poyilath explains. He says they teach parents how to channelise their energies by letting them play in open spaces, socialise with other dogs, along with customised games to help them control their emotions. Many pet parents are learning this the hard way. 'I brought home a pitbull last year. I thought it would be a good companion,' says an HR professional from Gowlidoddy. 'But it turned out to be a bundle of energy, always howling, chewing, barking and being over-protective. Things changed only after consulting a behaviourist,' she said. 'Most people buy dogs as a status symbol,' says Aulapuram Goutham, an animal activist. 'They don't ask: How big will this dog get? What was it bred for? Can it live in a 2BHK in Hyderabad? Will it survive 45°C summers? No breed is bad, but unprepared parenting can make even friendly dogs a danger, which is why training of parents is important,' he adds.
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Monsoon preparedness workshop raises awareness on helping pets, communities during disasters
With intense rain continuing to lash across the State, a monsoon preparedness workshop was held at Kottathara in the landslide-hit Wayanad to boost grassroots-level disaster resilience. Kottathara faces frequent floods and landslides. The 2018 floods claimed over 150 animals, highlighting the urgent need for animal-inclusive disaster risk reduction, according to figures. Noted animal campaigner, Humane World for Animals India (formerly called Humane Society International India) carried out the preparedness training programme to raise awareness of the need to protect animals during disasters like floods and landslides. The workshop was held in collaboration with Kottathara village panchayat, the outfit said in a statement. The session was attended by 35 volunteers of Kudumbashree, the empowerment network, from flood-prone wards of Kottathara. The event, inaugurated by panchayat president Raneeesh P.P., featured expert-led sessions on basic preparedness measures, hazard mapping, animal first aid, and evacuation. The training's educational objectives included identifying flood-prone zones, mapping potential temporary sheltering locations, forming a ward-based network of trained 'animal responders,' and distributing awareness materials in Malayalam and English, it said. Nayana Scaria, coordinator, Humane World for Animals India, said a well-prepared community is the strongest defense against disasters. There is a lot of sense of relief in empowering the community, helping them to become first responders to tackle crisis situations. By co-learning with them and respecting their way of life, we build resilience, protecting both lives and livelihoods,' she said. 'Safeguarding animals is not just compassion but is vital for families who see them as kin and depend on them for survival,' she added. A special session was led by Dr. Ratheesh from Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University), who demonstrated practical animal care techniques for emergencies. Lissy George, a Kudumbashree member who attended the workshop, said during the 2018-19 floods, they did not know how to rescue pets, and that had a serious impact on our community in Kottathara panchayat. 'But through this workshop, we have gained a clear understanding of how to protect animals during disasters. We learned about animal first aid, the disaster-prone areas in each ward, and the safe locations where animals can be relocated,' the statement said, quoting her.
