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Stray Dog Policy
Context:
Recently, the Supreme Court of India has observed that we must eschew unscientific and barbaric methods such as the killing of stray dogs in favour of the scientific approach, which is a win-win for everyone.
More on the news:
- The Court ended a 15-year-old case titled Animal Welfare Board of India & Anr Versus People for Elimination of Stray Troubles & Ors, also known as the All India Stray Dogs case or AWBI vs PEST.
- The case centred on whether municipal and local authorities can wantonly kill stray dogs to reduce the stray dog population, eradicate rabies, and prevent man-animal conflict or whether local bodies must follow the World Health Organization (WHO)-backed scientific approach of sterilisation, which achieves these objectives.
- The court highlighted that “Compassion to all living beings is the enshrined Constitutional value and mandate, and cast obligation on the authorities to maintain”, i.e. Article 51A(g) of the Constitution of India.
- WHO’s Expert Consultation on Rabies, in its technical report, endorses the sterilisation program by stating that it is the only effective and humane method of controlling stray dog populations.
- A 2014 report commissioned by the Bombay Municipal Corporation stated that sterilisation is the only scientific, humane solution.
- According to the court, one can only hope that the spirit of scientific temper and humanism, as enshrined in the fundamental duty in our Constitution under Article 51A(h), imbues itself in the minds of our citizens.
Dog attacks and Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS)
Titled “Negligent conduct with respect to animal” under Section 291 of the BNS, if the pet animal attacks a human, the owner can be fined upto Rs 5,000 along with imprisonment upto six months.
Causes of increasing dog menace in India:
Factors Related to Stray Dogs
- Overpopulation: Uncontrolled breeding leads to a surge in stray dog population.
- Lack of sterilisation: Inadequate sterilisation programs contribute to overpopulation.
- Scarcity of food: Competition for food can lead to aggressive behaviour.
- Rabies: A significant portion of stray dogs are infected with rabies, increasing the severity of bites.
- Human encroachment: Urbanisation and habitat loss force dogs into closer proximity to humans.
Factors Related to Pet Dogs
- Irresponsible ownership: Lack of training, improper socialisation, and neglect can lead to aggressive behaviour.
- Dangerous breeds: Some breeds are inherently more prone to aggression, and irresponsible ownership exacerbates the issue.
- Lack of licensing and regulation: Weak enforcement of pet ownership rules contributes to the problem.
Other Factors:
- Changing societal dynamics: Increasing urbanisation and lifestyle changes can impact human-animal interactions.
- Media portrayal: Sensationalized news coverage can create fear and misconceptions about dogs.
- Lack of awareness: Insufficient public education about dog behaviour and prevention of bites.
Solutions:
Population control: Effective sterilisation programs for both stray and pet dogs.
- Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023: The Central Government has notified these rules under Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960 and after superseding the Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules, 2001.
- Animal welfare: Providing adequate food, shelter, and medical care for stray dogs. Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI): This statutory body is responsible for enforcing animal welfare laws and promoting animal welfare in India. It plays a crucial role in overseeing the ABC program and other animal welfare initiatives.
Responsible pet ownership:
- Promoting education and strict enforcement of pet ownership laws.
Rabies control: Mass vaccination campaigns and proper bite management.
- Mass Vaccination Campaigns: Regular vaccination drives are conducted for both stray and pet dogs to control rabies spread.
- Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): Government hospitals provide free PEP treatment to people bitten by dogs to prevent rabies.
- Public awareness: Educating the public about dog behaviour, prevention, and first aid.