Delhi has recently issued comprehensive guidelines for street dog management, aiming to balance animal welfare with public safety. These guidelines, released by the Department of Urban Development, address several key areas, including population control, rabies eradication, and minimizing conflicts between humans and dogs. The move follows directives from the Supreme Court of India and aligns with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023.
A central component of the new guidelines is the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program, which focuses on sterilizing and vaccinating street dogs. The guidelines mandate that local authorities, such as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and the Delhi Cantonment Board (DCB), collaborate exclusively with Animal Welfare Organisations (AWOs) recognized by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). Veterinarians and handlers involved in the ABC program must undergo certified training. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of proper infrastructure at sterilization centers, including sufficient kennels, operation theaters with backup power, specialized transport vehicles, and safe waste disposal systems. CCTV cameras must be installed in operating areas and kennels, with footage retained for at least 30 days.
To enhance rabies control and dog population management, the Delhi government plans to microchip approximately 1 million street dogs over the next two years in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This initiative will help in tracking vaccinations and managing the stray dog population more effectively. The government also intends to implement a citywide dog census and monitoring system to generate accurate data for future planning.
The guidelines also address the issue of feeding street dogs. Local authorities, in coordination with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and residents, are expected to identify appropriate feeding locations, keeping in mind the territorial nature of dogs and the safety of children and senior citizens. These feeding spots must be clearly marked with signboards, and animal caregivers are responsible for maintaining cleanliness at these sites. The guidelines stipulate that harassment of animal feeders is a punishable offense, and legal action may be taken against those who obstruct responsible feeding activities.
For aggressive or rabid dogs, the guidelines outline specific protocols. Such dogs must be safely captured and observed, with rabid dogs isolated until death and their remains disposed of scientifically. Dogs that are not aggressive must be sterilized, vaccinated, and released at the location they were captured. AWBI-recognized private shelters may be authorized to house aggressive dogs when necessary, and cruelty in handling animals is strictly prohibited.
Pet owners are also subject to new regulations under the guidelines. They are required to register dogs older than three months, and this registration must be renewed annually with proof of rabies vaccination. Registration is free for Indian dog breeds, and sterilization along with the first vaccination will be provided at no cost at designated centers. Owners must provide information such as their pet's breed, gender, and vaccination history.
To ensure the effective implementation of these guidelines, local ABC monitoring committees must be constituted and meet monthly to assess progress and review complaints. Monthly reports must be submitted to the committee, and annual reports must be submitted to the AWBI by May 31 each year. The guidelines clearly state that no street dog should be relocated or killed, and every effort must be made to ensure compliance with the program's standards.
These measures reflect Delhi's commitment to managing its street dog population humanely and effectively, in line with both animal welfare principles and public safety concerns.
