stray dog menace essay

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Stray dog Menace in India UPSC Notes

Stray Dog Menace in India [UPSC Notes]

Human-dog conflicts are taking place on a regular interval leading to law and order problems in the country. In this article, we explore the reasons behind the increasing number of stray dogs in Indian cities, the problems caused by it and the remedy thereof. This topic is relevant for the IAS exam with respect to GS2.

Stats Related to Stray Dogs in India

The 2018 edition put the figure at 97 in 2017. According to various data, there were 86 human deaths from rabies in 2016, 113 in 2015, 125 in 2014 and 132 in 2013.
Over the last five years, more than 300 people, mostly children from poor and rural families, have been killed by dogs. Dogs are responsible for over 20,000 rabies deaths.
According to Lok Sabha data , Delhi has 60,472 stray dogs as of 2019. There were at least 1.53 crore dogs in the streets of India till 2019, the Animal Husbandry Ministry said in parliament.

Dog Control Laws in India

It also proposes the formation of monitoring committees that will take steps to limit the population of strays in an area through animal birth control programmes.
Rules will also address the role of resident welfare associations (RWAs) to end frequent conflicts between dog feeders and other residents.
Improper implementation of this law is also seen as a major reason behind the growing menace of strays.
This policy was meant to control both the dog population, as well as the deadly rabies virus.
The Animal Birth Control programme can be conducted by the local bodies which will help in reducing the stray dog population addressing the animal welfare issues.
The Municipal Corporations need to implement the ABC and Anti Rabies Program jointly.

Limitations of Sterilisation Programme:

Even if dogs are sterilised, they continue to live on streets, will still bite, chase people and vehicles, get into accidents, suffer from hunger and disease, and remain in conflict with people.
A sterilisation programme is most effective when it targets the majority of the population in one go, is carried out continuously over the years , and when there are very low chances of new individuals coming into the population. But this does not happen.

Courts on Stray Dog Menace

In 2012, the Karnataka High Court decreed that the authorities have a right to remove stray dogs or practice euthanasia in cases where human lives needed protection.
“There is no evidence that the removal of dogs has ever had a significant impact on dog population densities and the spread of rabies . The population turnover of dogs may be so high that even the highest recorded removal rates (about 15 percent of the dog population) are easily compensated by survival rates.”
The court also suggested that people who feed stray dogs could be made responsible for vaccinating them and bearing costs if somebody is attacked by the animal.

Stray Dog Menace Solutions

A long-term solution is to implement strict pet ownership laws, prohibit people from carelessly feeding dogs everywhere, and set up facilities funded by animal welfare organisations that can either house dogs for life, or humanely euthanise them so they don’t suffer on the streets.
Sterilisation of dogs is also suggested by the authorities in order to establish control over their enormous population rise.
NGOs and municipal authorities should come forward in order to control the rise in the population of dogs.
People who feed stray dogs could be made responsible for vaccinating them and bearing costs if somebody is attacked by the animal.

As long as dogs are homeless on the streets, the idea of a rabies-free India, with harmonious coexistence between people and dogs, will not be realised.

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STRAY DOGS ARE A SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY – A PERSPECTIVE

May 08, 2020 Dr. Aparna Srivastava

Most of the population looks at stray dogs as a menace and a threat. Just a few unfortunate events of dog bites are enough to turn people against stray dogs and perceive them all viciously. In all probability, a dog does not bite unless provoked, sick or in pain. In fact, according to a study conducted by The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists published in Psychology Today, sometimes dogs might not even prefer to interact physically. On the other hand, dogs are often expressive and social animals, eager to ‘talk’ to us, provided we hear them out.

As per a news report in Scroll.in, a couple of years back in 2016, citizens in Kerala took matters in their own hands to seemingly solve ‘the stray dog menace,’ resulting in large-scale culling of dogs. That was nothing short of mass murder and definitely not the way to go about solving the issue. In fact, stray dogs have as much a right to live with dignity and peace as we humans do.

Why does the attack & abuse happen ?

People generally attack stray dogs, kill or take away their puppies and call for their mass slaughter if they bite in retaliation. Erich Fromm, a renowned psychoanalyst and social philosopher gave an insight into man’s irrational and brutal behaviour in his famous book, ‘The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness’. He wrote, “Man’s history is a record of extraordinary destructiveness and cruelty and human aggression, it seems, far surpasses that of man’s animal ancestors, man is in contrast to most animals, a real “killer.’”

Prevalent Myths

Animals can’t be trusted

The relationship between humans and dogs has existed since more than 15,000 years. Humans have raised canines to be their friendly and eager companions with an added talent of interpreting the former’s emotions.

According to the National Geographic, a new study reveals that even stray dogs who are untrained, homeless and abused can interpret our body language.

Strays are seen as carriers of rabies

Even though not all dogs have rabies, all dog bites definitely need to be treated - unless the dog had been vaccinated against rabies in the previous year.

Stories about stray dogs biting & mulling

Surprisingly, there are a lot of people who love their own pets but are extremely wary of stray dogs. Their reasons could range from common beliefs that strays are dirty, disheveled and can’t be trusted. Viral stories on social media on how a dog or a pack of dogs were seen brutally mauling a child are a big reason for this kind of a behavior. Sometimes, we just need to stop & analyze these stories and question ourselves before jumping off to conclusions –

Ask yourself question: Why did someone just stand there, watching the incident, shooting such an incident instead of immediately saving the child/victim or informing others about it? The animals unfortunately, would never be able to reveal their side of the reality, thus giving another reason to torture those animals.

Way forward

Implementing a thoughtful & safe Sterilization drive

Municipal bodies across the country need to control the population of stray dogs by implementing sterilization programs. Sterilization drives by the Government have been successful only in a limited way so far because of various reasons. For instance, these drives need to be sensitively handled which means stray dogs must be picked up with kindness, they should be sterilized by experts and there should be proper monitoring of the same by respective panels. These panels must strictly include members from animal welfare societies, resident welfare associations, animal care takers and technical staff.

Respect towards feeders/volunteers

One needs to understand that by feeding stray dogs indirectly helps with sterilization drives. The feeders or volunteers are able to win the dogs’ trust, making it easier for them to get the dogs vaccinated/ sterilized. People should therefore not try to create hurdles for well-meaning volunteers who feed and look after them, even if they lack compassion towards these creatures. In the ultimate analysis, this gesture which in turn leads to sterilization of dogs and therefore lessening of their numbers helps the society. And of course more importantly, new born puppies do not have to face the brunt of living on the street without food and water and ultimately getting run over by a vehicle.

Cruelty to animals is not done

Let’s not create bad karma for ourselves by being cruel to these voiceless, helpless animals. Hitting or beating them may turn them aggressive in self-defense, resulting in more attacking or biting. Treat them with love and kindness and notice how they will reciprocate the same emotion will be reciprocated unconditionally.

Do not violate Animal Rights

Stray dogs of India have co-existed with humans since the Vedic ages. The localities, in which we live, belong to them, as much as to us. In fact, they had been residing in some areas long before human settlements there. Cribbing about the issue, hating dogs, beating them up or dislocating them does not help anyone or resolve the issue in any which manner.

Some Noteworthy Legal Facts and Provisions in this Matter

Article 21 of the Constitution of India protects all forms of life, including animal life.
In addition, Article 51A(g) imposes on all citizens a fundamental duty to have compassion for living creatures. The Supreme Court of India has interpreted Articles 21 and 51A(g) to mean that animals have a right to lead a life with intrinsic worth, dignity and security.
The Central Government has enacted a law specifically with regard to animals, namely, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Under the Act, the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001 (‘ABC Rules’) have been framed and prescribe comprehensive rules relating to stray dogs, amongst others. Under the ABC Rules, stray dogs are to be sterilised, vaccinated and subsequently released into the same area, from where they were captured. The Rules also provide that dogs who are sick are to be treated, prior to their sterilisation and vaccination.
The Constitution of India gives precedence to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2001 over state and local laws, such as the Kerala State Municipality Act, 1994, under which Section 438 permits the Secretary to order the “seizure and destruction” of stray dogs in a municipal area. In a recent development, Rule 13 of the ABC Rules provides that “in case of any conflict between the Rules and local laws, the provision that is less irksome to the animal shall prevail.”

Punjab and Haryana High Court Verdict on JUNE 8, 2019

It is important to remember that animals and birds have legal rights, just as humans - as stated by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in an exceptional judgment on Animal Welfare Law on JUNE 8, 2019. It further declared citizens as “guardians of the animal kingdom” with a duty to ensure their welfare and protection.

“Live and let live,” Justice Rajiv Sharma asserted in his 104-page order after issuing 29 mandatory directions for the welfare of “animal kingdom”. The directions, after according the status of legal person or “entity” to animals, came in a case where 29 cows were packed in cruel and brutal manner in two trucks for being exported to Uttar Pradesh from Haryana.

Justice Sharma ruled that animals, including avian and aquatics, had a right to life and bodily integrity, honour and dignity, and could not be treated merely as property. In the court statement, it was given, “The entire animal kingdom, including avian and aquatic, are declared legal entities having a distinct persona with corresponding rights, duties and liabilities of a living person.”

Stressing the need to show compassion towards all living creatures, Justice Sharma asserted animals might be mute but “we as a society have to speak on their behalf”, as per a report by Tribune India.

As per the historic judgment and also as highlighted in The Better India, it would be the duty of the citizens, to ensure the following:

Animals are healthy and comfortable,
Well-nourished and in a safe environment,
Express innate behavior without pain, fear and distress.
Be entitled to justice, and;
Safe from being treated as objects or property.

Report abuse

It is unacceptable to remain a mute spectator to animal abuse. In such cases of possible animal abuse, one shouldn’t hesitate to step in, object & report to higher concerned authorities like the police. Since animals are voiceless, we as evolved species need to step forward and protect them to the best of our capabilities.

Allow them to sit or rest in public space around your home

If possible, allow stray dogs to sit in spaces close to your home, if not within your premises. It is indeed unfair when people extend their boundaries illegally by grabbing public land and then prohibit the strays to sit in that space!

Adopt a Stray

Instead of going for fancy & costly breed of dogs, try adopting a stray. They are low maintenance and are as good and dedicated to their family members who adopt them.

The best place to adopt a stray is from either a shelter home or just a roadside. They deserve that chance. It would be a noble deed as well. However, after adopting them, do not give up or abandon them ever that would be emotionally traumatic for them, leaving them forlorn and disheartened for the rest of their lives.

While strays certainly don’t have the luxury of a cushy life that house pets fortunately have been blessed with, the former is still adaptable to humans and they too respond to human empathy.

Surely a little empathy and respect for another species can reduce a lot of conflict and make the world a happier place. So let’s try and make Mother Earth, a peaceful place for all creatures big and small, with shared thoughts of kindness.

(With gratitude)

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/decoding-your-pet/201412/dogs-dont-bite-out-the-blue
https://medium.com/@kuldeep.kaul/human-stray-dog-conflict-in-india-how-you-can-help-2f9931022065
https://www.quora.com/Why-do-people-in-India-hate-stray-dogs-so-much
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2020/01/stray-dogs-communication-rabies-health/
https://www.dailypioneer.com/2019/columnists/animals-deserve-a-dignified-living.html
https://www.umangfoundationtrust.org/2018/05/11/be-kind-feed-a-stray/

Stray Relief and Animal Welfare (STRAW) India is a registered nonprofit /non-government organization and its focus is summed up in its motto, Animal Welfare through Education. It promotes empathy and compassion for all living beings and care for the environment by educating young people through its humane education programs and workshops.

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Essay: Stray dogs and the curse of anthroparchal logic

With the idea of free-roaming animals suddenly being seen as a mark of an uncivilised society, violence directed at dogs and those who feed them has been spiralling in urban india.

“To hell with animal welfare laws…society has the right to kill ferocious dogs roaming on the streets and the people who feed them,” reads a tweet on X (formerly Twitter) by one Joginder Singh.

Mumbai, India - May 26, 2022: A dog lover feeds kulfi to a street dog in the afternoon during the hot summer at Bandra, in Mumbai, India, on Thursday, May 26, 2022. (Photo by Vijay Bate/HT Photo) (HT PHOTO)

Earlier this week, Singh, who has been spearheading an anti-stray dog campaign, reiterated the call to kill stray dogs and dog-feeders in a newly developed bustling residential area of Noida Extension. The video of his fiery speech is being circulated widely.

This is the same area where on February 3, a 10-year-old had tossed a pup from a considerable height, leading to its death. This happened as his elders had spilled out on the streets to unleash their fury on a bunch of feeders who care for community dogs. In the commotion that followed, a woman feeder was molested and animal welfare activists had to move heaven and earth to get a case of sexual harassment registered at the nearby Bisrakh police station.

Such dog haters cut across caste, class, religion and region. The ghastly shooting down of 20 stray dogs last week by a man in Telangana is a case in point. And before this could sunk in, a man made news for wanting a licenced gun to protect himself from stray dogs.

Gone are the days when heated conversations over dog-feeding began and ended with – “If you love these dogs so much, why don’t you take them home?” In this age of anger, wooden sticks and steel rods are pulled out from under car seats to badger dogs, or they are deliberately hit or run over. Dog-feeders, mostly women, who dig deep into their pockets to feed these strays, get cursed, slapped and beaten. Often, they are meted out the treatment reserved for stray dogs.

The anti-stray dog sentiment is at an all-time high and leading animal welfare activists say the anti-dog lobby is working overtime to create a fuss over community dogs – such as the call by Singh to kill dogs and feeders – for a reason. The Supreme Court has set February 28 to hear a bunch of petitions relating to stray dogs in Kerala and other parts of the country. This all-important Supreme Court verdict will seal the fate of stray dogs. In the worst case scenario, they will be culled or sent to pounds.

While on paper, sending the strays to a pound may sound like a compassionate option, but nobody quite understands the politics of dog pounds leave alone the pressure on the state exchequer to allocate land and funds to run such spaces. Imagine passing by an unusually large number of dogs and cats in an overcrowded space caught in the stench of faeces, urine and vomit. A place where dogs and cats are caged for life, the dogs are never walked, and they fight for crumbs.

Life at a Shelter

Katja M Guenther, the author of The Lives and Deaths of Shelter Animals , fills in the gaps here. She spent three years volunteering with “nonhuman animals” at a high-intake public animal shelter in the Los Angeles metropolitan area which she refers to as PAW. Her life changed when she met a muscular pit bull named Monster, a day before he was to be put down. He regarded her dispassionately from his cell, aware that his fate had been sealed.

With Monster becoming part of a much larger statistic – three million companion animals are put to sleep in animal shelters in the US each year – Guenther decided to study the multiple processes that go into such killings. As she spent more time at the shelter, she noted that dogs and cats coming from “a community of lower-income people of colour” were at a higher risk of ending up at a shelter, and being seen as “market surplus” and killed.

She noted that certain breeds such as the pit bull, which are favoured by lower-income groups, were looked upon with disdain and the “breed discrimination… is itself grounded in racism and classism”. In contrast, companion animals who lived in affluent, predominantly white communities were likely to be sent to animal shelters that provide veterinary care and are committed to reunification or adoption. Had Monster ended up in one such shelter, his chances of survival would have been 95 percent.

Guenther points out that the human urge “to dominate and control human and nonhuman animals” extends to shelters which have a licence to kill: “Monster died because of who he was, who the humans he was attached to were, and how our society naturalizes and accepts the killing of animals.”

Woman dog-feeders in India have had a rough run. (Prashant Waydande / Hindustan Times)

Violence Against Dog-loving Women

Woman dog-feeders in India have had a rough run. A woman was slapped by a defence personnel as she was feeding dogs, another had to run for her life as she was attacked with an iron rod, and an unlucky third slipped and fell and had to have a hip replacement surgery.

Guenther’s observations at PAW, which is populated with women as staff or volunteers, helps us understand the situation of women dog-lovers in India, especially those not residing in affluent pockets. The author ponders over feminist animal studies which emphasise the importance of seeing the connections between the oppression of women and animals: “Violence against animals normalises violence against humans, especially women who have been constructed as animal-like in the sense that they are voiceless and victimisable. Like animals, women have endured a long history of being silenced, devalued, and subjected to violence. Women’s bodies have been commodified and butchered like animals’, leaving both women and animals to occupy spaces as objects rather than subjects.”

The author addresses the issue of unmarried or childless women who are made fun of for seeing these animals as “substitute children”. She defends these women and says that they prefer “voluntary relationships with animals because they find these relationships more satisfying than those with humans”.

She asserts that the struggles of animals and women “is the outcome of everyday and sustained collisions of capitalism, anthroparchy, white supremacy, and patriarchy”.

History of Abuse

At PAW, when a dog is declared dead, his body is placed in an oil drum until the truck from the rendering plant comes to retrieve it. Sometimes the oil drums are left open and volunteers can see the dead animals for days.

In the US, until the end of the 1800s, close to 100 percent of animals picked up by animal control agencies were killed, often using brutal means, such as clubbing or mass drowning. In mid-19-century New York City, dogcatchers were paid by the dog and placed up to several hundred stray dogs each day in large cages to drown them in the East River. Animal control was about taking animal life. The fear of zoonotic contamination, especially of rabies, was a powerful motivator to capture and destroy unclaimed companion animals, writes Guenther.

Feeding strays. (Prashant Waydande / Hindustan Times)

Later, a combination of moral and religious arguments was used to promote kindness toward animals. Animal shelters began sterilising and vaccinating animals and around 2006 started implanting microchips, which can help reunite lost animals.

Zero Tolerance for Stray Dogs

In India, the idea of free-roaming animals is suddenly being seen as a mark of an uncivilised society, an indicator of economic underdevelopment and a threat to public safety.

However, among these free-roaming animals only stray dogs are the soft targets. In the bustling Noida area where a child killed a pup, and where the call to kill dogs and dog-feeders was reiterated, Singh didn’t notice the famished donkeys and horses – their hind limbs tied together to prevent their escape – fending for themselves. There are also dozens of cows and buffaloes scavenging in garbage dumps. Isn’t this an indicator of economic underdevelopment too?

As Guenther points out this is a classic case of “anthroparchal logic” – asserting human dominance over animals. While in the shelter where the author volunteered, unweaned puppies and kittens were euthanised within hours of their arrival, in India, animal-haters go a step further: mutilate puppies, throw acid on cats, tie crackers on dogs or just run them over for fun.

While it is easy for animal-haters to wish the dogs out of sight, Guenther envisions a world where shelters are unnecessary. This requires a change of hearts and minds, and a world which is a secure place not just for dogs, but for humans too. And, this would be the real indicator of an economically developed and civilised country – not one that kills its community dogs and the kind people who care for them.

Lamat R Hasan is an independent journalist. She lives in New Delhi.

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New Delhi Journal

Where Streets Are Thronged With Strays Baring Fangs

By Gardiner Harris

Aug. 6, 2012

NEW DELHI — Victims of the surprise attacks limp into one of this city’s biggest public hospitals. Among the hundreds on a recent day were children cornered in their homes, students ambushed on their way to class and old men ambling back from work.

All told the same frightening story: stray dogs had bitten them.

Deepak Kumar, 6, had an angry slash across his back from a dog that charged into his family’s shack.

“We finally closed the gates to our colony and beat the dog to death,” said Deepak’s father, Rajinder.

No country has as many stray dogs as India, and no country suffers as much from them. Free-roaming dogs number in the tens of millions and bite millions of people annually, including vast numbers of children. An estimated 20,000 people die every year from rabies infections — more than a third of the global rabies toll.

Packs of strays lurk in public parks, guard alleyways and street corners and howl nightly in neighborhoods and villages. Joggers carry bamboo rods to beat them away, and bicyclists fill their pockets with stones to throw at chasers. Walking a pet dog here can be akin to swimming with sharks.

A 2001 law forbade the killing of dogs, and the stray population has increased so much that officials across the country have expressed alarm.

In Mumbai, where more than 80,000 people reported being bitten last year, the government plans to conduct a census of the strays by using motorcycles to chase down dogs and squirt their fur with ink. A member of the Punjab Legislative Assembly proposed in June sending strays to China — where dogs are sometimes eaten — after more than 15,000 people in the state reported being bitten last year. In New Delhi, officials recently announced an intensified sterilization campaign.

India’s place as the global center for rabid dogs is an ancient one: the first dog ever infected with rabies most likely was Indian, said Dr. Charles Rupprecht, chief of the rabies program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Dog bites cause 99 percent of human rabies deaths.

Indeed, tackling rabies on the subcontinent is challenging because the relationships that Indian dogs maintain with humans are ancient. India’s pariah dog, the dominant street breed, is probably a descendant of an early Chinese immigrant, said Peter Savolainen, a professor of evolutionary genetics at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. With pointed ears, a wedge-shaped head and a tail that curls over its back, the pariah is similar in appearance to other prehistoric dogs like the Australian dingo.

For thousands of years, dogs’ relationship with humans was similar to that of pilot fish with sharks, said John Bradshaw, director of the Anthrozoology Institute at the University of Bristol in Britain.

“Dogs essentially started out as scavengers,” Dr. Bradshaw said. “They evolved to hang around people rather than to be useful to them.”

While that relationship has largely disappeared in the developed world, it remains the dominant one in India, where strays survive on the ubiquitous mounds of garbage. Some are fed and collared by residents who value them as guards and as companions, albeit distant ones. Hindus oppose the killing of many kinds of animals.

Malini Jadeja, who lives in Delhi part time, said she was walking her beloved dog Fudge Cake some years ago not far from Lodi Gardens when “two dogs came out of nowhere and attacked.” Fudge Cake was leashed, so he could not run away.

“I tried to grab the strays and pull them away, but just as I got one, the other would attack,” Ms. Jadeja said. “They killed Fudge Cake right in front of my eyes.”

She blames herself for her dog’s death and remains terrified of strays. “It’s very difficult to take a dog for a walk here because of the attacks from street dogs,” said Dr. Radhey S. Sharma, president of the Indian Veterinary Association.

Nonetheless, India’s burgeoning middle class has begun to adopt Western notions of pet ownership, buying pedigreed dogs and bringing animals into their homes. But many pedigreed dogs end up on the street, the castoffs of unsuccessful breeders or owners who tire of the experiment.

Stray dogs are dangerous not only because of their teeth but also because they help ticks and other parasites thrive. But animal welfare advocates fervently reject euthanasia, and some warn that reducing the stray population while doing nothing about the country’s vast mounds of garbage could be dangerous because rats might thrive in dogs’ place.

A Snarling Menace in India

View Slide Show ›

“The first thing you need to start doing to reduce the stray population is manage your garbage better,” said Arpan Sharma, chief executive of the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organizations. “And the second thing is very aggressive spaying, neutering and vaccinating of animals.”

Jaipur has reduced its stray population, but it is a lonely exception that overcame not only enormous logistical and financial challenges but cultural ones as well.

“People really don’t want us to take the street dogs away, particularly in poor areas,” said Dr. Jack Reece, a Jaipur veterinarian who helped lead the city’s effort. “In other areas, especially Muslim ones, they won’t let us release the dogs back. I have been surrounded by large crowds, angry young men, saying you can’t release the dogs here, even though they were caught from there two days before.”

More than a dozen experts interviewed said that India’s stray problem would only get worse until a canine contraceptive vaccine, now in the lab, became widely and inexpensively available.

Dr. Rosario Menezes, a pediatrician from Goa, said that India could not wait that long. Dogs must be taken off the streets even if that means euthanizing them, he said. “I am for the right of people to walk the streets without fear of being attacked by packs of dogs,” he said.

Arshpreet Kaur was 3 when a stray came in through her home’s open front door and bit her and her grandfather. Within a week, Arshpreet got a headache and then a fever. Her parents took her to a hospital, but she soon slipped into a coma, in which she remained for nine years before finally dying.

“There are stray dogs everywhere in Delhi,” Arshpreet’s mother, Jasmeen Kaur, said in a telephone interview. “We are more scared of dog bites than anything else.”

Malavika Vyawahare and Niharika Mandhana contributed reporting.

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India’s stray dog menace: The big picture

Public Health v/s Animal Rights: India’s stray dog dilemma

Reports in recent times have focused on the stray-dog menace in Indian cities.

While most of the reports have focused on threat to humans, the Assam Police recently rescued 75 dogs who were being smuggled to Nagaland, to be sold as meat, a measure ironically suggested to remedy stray-dog menace in other states.

How should this menace be dealt with, if it is one?

Timeline 07 May 2017: Public Health v/s Animal Rights: India’s stray dog dilemma Fact: The (not so) special breed Descending from the Indian Pariah Dogs, stray dogs are known for their survival instincts. Contrary to popular perception, they are people friendly. They are highly disease resistant and make for excellent guard dogs. However, their innate hunting instincts are regarded as dangerous to humans.

Details: How real is the threat from stray dogs? How real is the threat from stray dogs? A large number of deaths resulting from dog bite injuries have been attributed to stray dogs. Although the threat element does exist, an analysis of cases in a hospital in Kerala revealed that 75% of the bites were caused by pet dogs.

A 2016 News Minute report called out prominent daily Malayala Manorama for falsely reporting an attack based on an old photograph.

Clashing viewpoints: How has the issue been responded to? While extremists have advocated for culling as a one stop solution, animal rights activists including Union Minister Maneka Gandhi staunchly oppose it terming it barbaric.

Many state governments instead pursue sterilization to keep increasing numbers in check.

Legislators in Kerala and Punjab have debated on exporting stray dogs to China’s Yulin festival, where dogs are consumed in mass numbers.

Fact: Instances of vigilantism Perceived magnanimity of the problem and inaction from government authorities have prompted vigilante groups in Kerala and TN to kill dogs in mass numbers. An alumni association in Kerala even distributed air guns in their college to be used against stray dogs!

Legality: What does the law say? What does the law say? Killing of stray dogs is punishable under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which classifies torture and transporting them in a manner which causes them suffering, as cruelty. However, it only attracts a meagre fine of Rs. 100-500 or imprisonment upto three months.

The Supreme Court in January noted stray dogs cannot entirely be killed off while permitting culling using proper methods.

Analysis: The politics surrounding stray dogs While stray dog menace was used as a political tool in Kerala to highlight the government’s efficacy, certain citizens in Kashmir have accused security forces of using stray dogs as their “first line of defence”.

Although the menace does exist to some extent, media hyperbole has only served to aggravate the situation leading to spread of unnecessary panic and instances of vigilantism.

Conclusion: Man v/s Animal The issue at a fundamental level reduces to one that of human versus animal rights. The matter is of a delicate balance, and has to go hand in hand. The menace needs to be addressed by proper policy measures including sterilization drives, rather than seemingly easy fixes like mass killing.

Further, the issue has to be dealt with humaneness and psychotic murder sprees discouraged.

Source : https://www.newsbytesapp.com/timeline/India/6769/40387/india-s-stray-dog-menace-the-big-picture

Date : 8 May 2017

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Explained: The stray dog menace and what is the solution

Should certain dog breeds be prohibited is pet registration requisite are animals at risk of being confiscated can you feed stray dogs in public areas can municipal organisations round up stray dogs in a conversation with experts for cnbc-tv18, ashmit kumar looks for clarification on the viability of these policies in the future..

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Stray Dogs: Menace or Social Responsibility

Dogs are always human’s best friends no matter what!!! Let stray dogs no longer stray!!

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Stray Dogs are un-owned, free-roaming and shelter-less which live on the streets, parks, around hotels/ restaurants, school and college premises, hospital premises, bus and railway station premises and in other public places, in close contact with humans. The reason for their large population is due to the unique combination of local tolerance, abundant food, shelter, breeding opportunities and ineffective local dog management policies. Most of the people look at them as a menace and a threat. Few unfortunate incidences of dog bites have demonized and turned people against them.

Stray dogs, usually do not attack/bite unless provoked, sick or when in severe distress/ pain. The relationship between humans and dogs has co-existed for more than 15,000 years. Canines are opportunistic and adaptable creatures and if food resources are made readily available because of poor kitchen waste management, dog populations will proportionately increase. These dogs can have a good quality of life in some respects as far as animal welfare issues are concerned as they are free to express their natural behaviour and can make choices about their own lives and wants. But they are exposed to high risks and may suffer from diseases that cause pain, discomfort and suffering, such as mange, etc and are also at risk of injury and vehicular accidents. In some places, stray dogs might be considered ‘community dogs’ with no specific owners but the community cooperates to provide food, water, shelter and basic care for them and they in turn provide many benefits like companionship, security and assistance. There is also research evidence of the positive effects dogs have on human health and well-being. Despite these benefits, dogs can cause some other concerns in communities especially when they are free roaming like zoonotic disease transmission, road traffic accidents, etc.

Stray Dogs: Menace or Social Responsibility

Our Responsibilities

If we do not like dogs or cannot help them, we should at least not abuse them and raise our voice for their rights. Extending our sociability and emotions towards dogs can help us develop a better sense of empathy for them and it is our moral and ethical responsibility to be sensitive towards their physical as well as emotional well being. It is unacceptable to remain a mute spectator to animal abuse. In such cases, one shouldn’t hesitate to intervene, object and report to concerned authorities like the police/ animal welfare institutions/ animal welfare organization/ local authority/ NGOs/ animal activists, etc. Since animals are inarticulate, we as evolved species need to step forward and protect them to the best of our capabilities.

What’s the Solution?

Culling Dogs are NO Answers! Dogs are part of our ecosystem and are not encroachers on earth; there is no question of eliminating them. It is the duty of every citizen to have compassion for all the living creatures including dogs.

Multi-pronged dog management policies need to be formulated and implemented, which are designed to offer an ethical and effective alternative to culling and they require long-term commitments. Such policies need to be framed with certain objectives – to improve health and welfare of owned and stray dog population, reduce numbers of stray dogs to an acceptable level, promote responsible ownership, assist in the creation and maintenance of a rabies immune or rabies free dog population, reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases, manage other risks to human health (e.g. parasites), prevent harm to the environment and other animals, etc. While framing such policies, following proposed, specifically-tailored, management interventions need to be considered:

Coordinate, collaborate and consult with all stakeholders for framing best dog management policies.
Robust Information, Education Communication (IEC) Campaigns are key component in dog management programmes.
Identification and Registration of dogs (licensing): More efforts need to be made to strengthen Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules, 2017 and Pet Shop Rules, 2018.
Implementation of Animal Birth Control (ABC) and Early Neutering in Dogs (END) combined with Anti Rabies Vaccination (ARV) followed by control of parasitic infestation in dogs.
Promotion of responsible dog ownership.
Steps should be taken to exclude dogs from sources of food to reduce the possibility of dogs congregating around rubbish sites.
Public adoption of Stray Dogs: Efforts needs to be made to encourage animal lovers to adopt the stray dogs.
Establishment of dog rescue centre’s/ shelters: They cannot be used as the sole means for controlling the dog population, but they may provide a useful contribution under certain circumstances.
Authorities should seek advice from Veterinarians and dog behaviour experts in developing dog safety educational programmes.
Dogs are sentient creatures and they can be fed without causing any inconvenience to the public and without causing environmental pollution. Stray dog should be fed in identified places away from public parks, educational institutions, hospitals, etc
Euthanasia and carcass disposal: In the event of incurable illness, injury or behavioural problems with no prospect of recovery, euthanasia may be necessary as part of a dog management programme followed by scientific carcass disposal.
One Health Approach: Successful collaboration between animal health, human health and environmental sectors is imperative.
Monitoring and evaluation: These efforts play an important role in the programme process and allow a programme’s effectiveness to be assessed, issues to be identified and adjustments to be made accordingly.
Economics of Dog Control Programmes: The costs associated with dog management programmes can be enormous. Sufficient funds need to be earmarked and made available for effective and efficient control of dog population.

“Every animal has been created for a purpose. It is a duty upon every human being to respect Allah’s creation. If we ill treat any of His creation, we will be questioned abStrayout it on the Day of Judgment.”

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B.V.Sc. & AH, M.V.Sc, PG Dip Animal Welfare; Technical Officer Poultry, Directorate of Animal Husbandry Kashmir, Department of Animal Husbandry, Jammu and Kashmir, India

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India's stray dog menace: A crisis of proportions

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Deep Dive: Why Indian Cities Are Struggling to Deal With Stray Dogs

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Stray dog menace

: NHRC calls for a civil society debate The National Human Rights Commission has taken cognizance of media reports on the stray dog menace and observed that "prima facie, it is of the view that Human Rights should weigh above animal rights in a situation where human lives are at risk due to attack by animals. However, this calls for a debate by the civil society." It has also issued notices to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Chief Secretary, Government of NCT of Delhi calling for reports to ascertain their views on the issue as well as on the specific incident wherein a child, aged barely five years, died due to excessive bleeding after attacked by five stray dogs in Jamia Nagar, Delhi on the 4th August, 2015. The Commission's observations have also come in the light of another media report exposing the futile efforts made by the Municipal Corporations of Delhi to deal with the menace of stray dogs. Reportedly, the Corporations with the help of NGOs, just catch the dogs, sterilize them and drop them back from where they were caught. Allegedly, the Corporations are struggling to do even this job. The Commission has observed that "while the measure of sterilization may help contain the increase in the dog population, it does not save or shield people from the bites of existing dogs. It looks like a 'Human Rights' versus 'Animal Rights' battle. This is not a problem of Delhi alone. The Commission has come across similar incidents in several other parts of the country. The situation assumes alarming proportions when one links the stray dogs with their contribution to Rabies disease."

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Stray dog menace: Civic bodies have failed us, say 90% people in a national survey

As many as 61 per cent people believe stray or pet dog attacks are common in their area and 90 per cent feel civic bodies haven’t taken effective steps to stem the stray dog menace, says a recent survey..

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Six in 10 Indians believe stray and/or pet dog attacks are common in their area. Only one in 10 think that their municipal corporation is effectively handling the issue of stray dogs and taking steps to reduce the risk posed by them. Only 32 per cent of respondents feel most pet owners train and restrain their dogs.

Canine attacks

Pet training.

Do owners of pet dogs in your area effectively restrain and train them so that they don't cause harm to others? To this question, only 32 per cent of the respondents admitted that most of them care to do so. The survey revealed that 19 per cent are unhappy that "most (pet owners) don't do so" and 16 per cent felt the pet owners don't take the trouble of training their pets.

Inept civic bodies

The municipal authorities are responsible for effectively managing stray dogs, which includes inoculation and transferring them to a stray animal facility among other steps. They should also ensure registration of pet dogs. When asked about action taken by their respective municipal corporations, 65% respondents vehemently said that they are completely ineffective in managing both stray dogs and registration of pet dogs.

He added, "A city can be rated the cleanest, but if senior citizens need to go for their morning walk with a stick to handle stray dogs and children are scared to step out, it is best to classify them as dangerous and our tax-paying citizens do deserve better."

Around 20,000 people annually die of rabies in India, accounting for 36 per cent of global rabies deaths, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The four states with the highest incidents of street dog bites are Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Gujarat, according to the data tabled by the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in Parliament on July 26 this year. Uttar Pradesh tops the stray dog count, followed by Odisha, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Published By: Sahil Sinha Published On: Oct 18, 2022 --- ENDS --- ALSO READ | Fight over strays in Noida society after dog mauls infant to death: Watch

Stray Dog Menace: Supreme Court lists the matter for final hearing on February 28, 2024

On January 10, 2024 (Wednesday), the two-judge bench of the Supreme Court (SC) of India listed the matter concerning stray dog menace in the country for a final hearing on February 28, 2024. While posting the matter, Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia said “Accordingly, we will hear, and that will serve the purpose. It may go on for two days or three days, whatever it is, but let it go in this way. Thereby, we can justify which is the correct view…” The SC will hear all the petitions related to curbing stray dog attacks in different states of the country including Kerala , Bombay , Karnataka , and Himachal Pradesh . During the proceedings yesterday (January 10), the SC asked the parties involved to prepare the concerned issues, related laws, observations, and views taken by different High Courts.

450 Words essay on Street Dogs

The street dogs are a common sight in India. There is no street without a team of such dogs. As soon as a stranger enters a street, they begin to bark. They not only bark at him but pursue him and sometime pounce upon him and actually bite him.

There are daily cases of dog bite in every street. The street dogs are a great nuisance. People are so religious minded that they don’t look at their destruction with favour. So they continue to flourish and multiply.

They are dangerous creatures. Some of them suffer from some infectious disease like rabies. When they bite a man, he turns mad and dies. How dangerous are then these street dogs! Street dogs are generally dirty and unclean.

Some of them are full of festering wounds and flies. They spread foul smell, flies and diseases wherever they go. They ease themselves in the streets and thus spread dirt and filth freely. They feed on things which are filthy.

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They live on crumbs of bread that people throw them or on dirty pieces of meat and bones or night soil lying in the streets. They are hated and beaten wherever they go. They lead a miserable life. They are not at all beautiful to look at.

They are devoid of good qualities of loyalty, sagacity and watch- fullness that we generally associate with dogs. They are the most hated and abominable creatures. They do positive harm and serve no useful purpose at all. They are notorious for their theft and make away with whatever articles of food they chance upon.

It is no sin to destroy these street dogs. In cities like London or New York, we don’t come across stray dogs. There are hardly any cases of mad dog-bite. There is no reason why they should not be destroyed in our streets also. It is no kindness to feed animals that spread diseases and bite us.

The sooner they are done away with, the better will it be. The government has to spend lacs of rupees on the maintenance of hospitals meant to treat patients bitten by mad dogs. This money can be much better used to provide milk to school children.

The protection of street dogs cannot be defended on any grounds. They must go lock, stock and barrel. In it lies human safety. In it lies the beauty of our streets. In it consists wisdom and prudence. A beginning in this direction has already been made in cities like Mumbai and Kolkata. But people in India are conservative and are averse to change. It will take many years before our streets are completely cleared of this nuisance which needs quick eradication.

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STREET DOG ISSUE : SOLUTIONS & STRAY DOG’S LEGAL RIGHTS IN INDIA

Compassion for all living creatures has been the philosophy of India – the land of sages. In most Indian households, rural and urban, when people cook, they reserve a portion of the food for cows, dogs, and birds. However, human beings, who by being born as a superior species, consider themselves to be the sole claimant to this planet and its related dividends. Animals have been driven out of their habitats and humans who wish to help them are also targeted and terrorized. There have been innumerable instances where dog lovers have been assaulted by goons masquerading as saviors of the human race.

Animals may be mute but we as a society have to speak on their behalf. No pain or agony should be caused to the animals. Cruelty to animals causes psychological pain to them. Animals breathe like us and have emotions. The animals require food, water, shelter, normal behavior, medical care, and self-determination.

Many building societies in India have biased rules against pets. Pet owners often receive a lot of flak for flouting rules regarding their pets – some feasible and valid, but others, bizarre and illegal.

Stray Dogs have the right to food and citizens have the right to feed

Unfortunate as it is, most of the Indian streets are riled with blatant apathy towards animal lives. The callousness in civic societies is far worse – where a handful of humans who care for stray animals is often met with unbelievable ridicule and resistance. It is not that there aren’t animal laws in India – but the ineptness to implement them and the severity of punishment leaves them crippled.

“It is a fundamental duty upon every citizen of India to protect wildlife and have compassion for all living creatures.”– Article 51A(G), Indian Constitution

Here are some laws put forth in the constitution to uphold the rights of the voiceless and activists who work towards animal welfare.

Prevalent rules for protecting stray dogs

Feeding stray dogs is legal both within and outside any society, and what is prohibited is threatening dog feeders from carrying out their essential obligation under Article 51A(g) of the Constitution of India. The Animal Welfare Board of India has issued extensive guidelines on feeding stray dogs, and there have been numerous judicial decisions protecting dog feeders and caretakers who face the wrath of ill-informed neighbors.

Stray dogs are protected under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA), 1960 , and rules enacted under Section 38 of the act, particularly, the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001 ; Indian Penal Code , sections 428 & 429 and Article 51A (g) of the Constitution of India . Street dogs cannot be beaten, killed or driven away or displaced, or dislocated, they can only be sterilized in the manner envisaged in The Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001 , vaccinated, and then returned to their original locations. The stray dogs can be sterilized only when they’ve attained the age of at least 4 months and not before that. Killing, maiming, poisoning, or rendering useless any animal is punishable by imprisonment for up to two years or with a fine or with both, under Section 428 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 .

As per Section 11 (i) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960 abandoning an animal, leaving it in a situation where it suffers pain due to starvation or thirst, is a punishable offense.

The Delhi High Court states that there are no laws that prohibit people from feeding stray animals. It is a crime to threaten, abuse, or harass neighbors who feed animals. (Section 506)

While the severity of punishment(s) is still not that harsh and needs to be revisited real soon, one can hope that animal laws act as a deterrent to those who try to take the law in hand. We hope that awareness regarding these laws would help people to report and stand up for the animals.

The street dog issue

Why do street dogs exist?

Most free-roaming dogs belong to an ancient canine race known as the Pariah Dog, which has existed all over Asia and Africa ever since human beings started living in settlements. They are, and have always been, scavengers–that is, they live on garbage created by humans. In India the breed has existed for perhaps 14,000 years or more. In addition to scavenging, they are widely kept as pets by rural and urban slum households

Much of the urban street dog population consists of mongrels or mix-breeds–descended from pure-breed dogs who have been allowed by their owners to interbreed with pariahs

The size of street dog populations always corresponds to the size and character of the human population of the area. Urban India has two features which create and sustain street dog populations:

1) Large amounts of exposed garbage, which provide an abundant source of food

2) A huge population of slum and street-dwellers, who often keep the dogs as free-roaming pets

Mumbai has over 12 million human residents, of whom over half are slum-dwellers. At least 500 tonnes of garbage remain uncollected daily. Therefore conditions are perfect for supporting a particularly large population of street dogs

Problems caused by street dogs

Haphazard urban planning and human overpopulation have led to a correspondingly huge population of street dogs in most Indian cities. They cause the following problems:

Rabies–a fatal disease which can be transmitted to humans. Although all warm-blooded animals can get and transmit rabies, dogs are the most common carrier. India has the highest number of human rabies deaths in the world (estimated at 35,000 per annum)
Dog bites-Most occur when dogs are trying to mate and fighting among themselves–pedestrians and other humans in the vicinity often get bitten accidentally. Females with pups to protect may also be aggressive and bite people who approach their litter
Barking and howling–an accompaniment to dog fights which invariably take place over mating

Why removal of dogs doesn’t work

Most Indian civic bodies have been killing street dogs for decades, some since the last century. The concept was directly imported from the developed countries without any understanding of the very different urban conditions in the third world. In developing countries such as India, where exposed garbage and slums encourage the existence of street dogs, killing or removing street dogs has proved completely ineffective in controlling rabies or the dog population. This is because dogs removed are easily replaced

Dogs have extremely high breeding rates. According to one estimate, two dogs can multiply to over 300 (over a few generations) in three years. They are also highly territorial, with each dog having its fixed niche

Here is what happens when dogs are taken away:

Their territories become vacant and dogs from neighbouring areas move in to occupy them
The dogs who escape the catching squads also continue to multiply, so the territorial vacuums are soon filled again
Dog fights increase, since every time a new dog enters a territory he is attacked by the dogs already in the neighbourhood
Dog fights continue to take place over mating
Dog bites also increase, as during dog fights many humans get accidentally bitten
Rabies continues to spread to humans, since none of the dogs is vaccinated
Rabies continues to spread because the dog-catchers are reluctant to pick up a rabid dog–so only healthy dogs get killed

As long as exposed garbage and slums continue to exist, dog-killing programmes cannot work. They only create an unstable, constantly changing, rapidly multiplying and rabies-carrying dog population

In Mumbai in the late 1980s and early 1990s, there were about 50 human rabies deaths every year in spite of a large scale dog-killing programme. Government sources claim that over half of human rabies deaths are caused by unvaccinated pets, so the killing of street dogs had no impact on human rabies

The effective solution: Sterilisation-cum-vaccination

For decades the Municipal Corporation of Mumbai used to kill up to 50,000 street dogs annually. The method used was electrocution. In 1994, in response to demands made by our organisation and others, dog-killing was replaced by mass sterilisation and immunisation of street dogs

Under this programme, street dogs are surgically neutered and then replaced in their own area. They are also vaccinated against rabies

Since territories are not left vacant, new dogs cannot enter
Mating and breeding also cease
With no mating or crossing of territories, dog fights reduce dramatically
Since fighting reduces, bites to humans also become rare
The dogs are immunised, so they do not spread rabies
Over time, as the dogs die natural deaths, their numbers dwindle

The dog population becomes stable, non-breeding, non-aggressive and rabies-free, and it gradually decreases over a period of time

We are constantly asked questions about the street dog issue, both by people who think dogs a nuisance and by dog-lovers. These are the most common ones.

Q1. Why are there so many street dogs here anyway? Why aren’t there any in London and New York? A1. The urban environment in India has two features that encourage street animal populations – exposed garbage and slums. Neither of these exists in developed countries.

Street dogs are scavengers and garbage provides an ample source of food for them. In the absence of this food source, dogs would not be able to survive on the streets. Moreover in India and most other south-east Asian countries, street dogs are also kept as free-roaming pets by slum-dwellers and street-dwellers such as ragpickers.

There are street dogs in developed countries too – but they are abandoned pets, or feral dogs (meaning dogs who were once pets but now live like street dogs). They are unable to survive or breed on city streets since they can find nothing to eat. Most are captured, housed in animal shelters and rehomed.

Q2. Why did the municipal corporation stop killing dogs? A2. Mass killing of dogs as a population control measure was started by the British in the 19th Century. It was continued on a large scale (up to 50,000 dogs killed every year) after Independence by the municipal authorities all over India, with the aims of eradicating human rabies deaths and the street dog population. By 1993, it was admitted to be a complete failure, since human rabies deaths had actually increased, and the dog population was also perceptibly growing.

Studies by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Animal Welfare Board of India (Ministry of Environment & Forests) show that dog population control measures which work in developed countries are unsuccessful in third world developing countries, since urban conditions are very different. The urban environment here encourages breeding of street dogs, so no matter how many dogs were killed, they were quickly replaced by more.

That’s why in January 1994, the killing programme was replaced by mass sterilisation of street dogs. The sterilisation programme is carried out by non-government organisations in collaboration with the municipal corporation.

Q3. If street dog population control is the issue, wouldn’t it make more sense to kill the dogs or take them away? A3. Removal or killing of street dogs seems to be the most obvious method of controlling the population, but it has actually proved to be completely useless. This is because even when large numbers of dogs are killed, the conditions that sustain dog populations remain unchanged. Dogs are territorial and each one lives in its own specific area. When they are removed, the following things happen:

The food source – garbage – is still available in abundance, so dogs from neighbouring areas enter the vacant territories.
Pups born and growing up in the surrounding areas also move in to occupy these vacant niches.
The few dogs who escape capture and remain behind attack these newcomers, leading to frequent and prolonged dog-fights.
Since they are not sterilised, all the dogs who escape capture continue to mate, leading to more fighting.
In the course of fights, dogs often accidentally redirect their aggression towards people passing by, so many humans get bitten.
Females with pups become aggressive and often attack pedestrians who come too close to their litter.
They breed at a very high rate (two litters of pups a year). It has been estimated that two dogs can multiply to over 300 in three years.

Since dogs who are removed are quickly replaced, the population does not decrease at all. The main factors leading to dog aggression – migration and mating – continue to exist, so the nuisance factor remains.

Since removal of dogs actually increases dog-related problems, the effective solution is to sterilise the dogs, vaccinate them against rabies and put them back in their own areas.

Q4. But what’s the point of putting the dogs back after sterilisation? Doesn’t the problem just continue? A4. No, when dogs are sterilised and put back in their own area, the population and the problems caused by dogs both reduce. Here’s how:

Each dog guards its own territory and does not allow new dogs to enter.
Since they are all neutered, they no longer mate or multiply.
The main factors leading to dog aggression – migration and mating – are eliminated. So dog-fights reduce dramatically.
With the decrease in fighting, bites to humans also decrease.
Since females no longer have pups to protect, this source of dog aggression is also eliminated.
Over a period of time, as the sterilised dogs die natural deaths, the population is greatly reduced.

Please remember, there is NO overnight solution to the street dog issue. It is simply not possible to wish all the dogs away. With sterilisation, the population becomes stable, non-breeding and non-rabid and decreases over time. It also becomes largely non-aggressive. On the other hand, when dogs are removed or killed, new dogs keep entering an area and the population is continuously changing, unstable, aggressive, multiplies at a high rate and carries rabies. Which method makes more sense?

Q5. Why don’t you dog-lovers just keep all these street dogs in your own homes? A5. Dog-lovers have not created the street dog population. They merely try to minimise it through sterilisation, and to keep it rabies-free through vaccination. Moreover, even if a lot of street dogs got adopted, the basic problems of vacant territories and dog replacement would remain.

(By the same logic, people who love children could be asked to keep the entire population of street children in their own homes!)

Incidentally, our organisation does promote the adoption of pariahs and mongrels – so if someone you know is planning to buy a pure-breed dog, try and persuade him to adopt a street instead. Although it won’t provide a large-scale solution, you will have the satisfaction of knowing you got one dog off the street!

Q6. Can’t some of the dogs be released in another place? A6. Since they would be entering the territory of other dogs, there would be a lot of fighting in the area in which they are released, and in the process more humans would get bitten. Their original territories would also be left vacant, so new dogs would enter… and the street dog problem would go on forever.

Q7. What about rabies? Don’t they all spread rabies? A7. Only rabid dogs spread rabies. Healthy ones don’t.

The World Health Organisation recommends mass vaccination of dogs as the only effective way to eradicate human rabies. Mass vaccination has led to a significant decrease in human rabies deaths in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Jaipur and Mumbai itself. Recently Fethiye in southwestern Turkey implemented this programme and dog-related problems have reduced.

The sterilisation programme includes anti-rabies vaccination. Our organisation also annually vaccinates a large number of street dogs on site. Between 1993 and 2005, we have vaccinated over 37,000 street dogs. Q8. But didn’t dog-killing help in controlling rabies? A8. Dog-killing was ineffective as a rabies eradication measure, since the catchers only captured healthy dogs and the rabid ones were left to spread the disease. Official sources also claim that half of human rabies deaths are caused by unvaccinated pets, so once again killing street dogs is of no use.

The killing method has failed to control rabies in developing countries worldwide – including Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia, North Korea, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Jordan, Syria, Yemen, Bangladesh, Nepal, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

Q9. I sometimes see dogs with skin problems and hairless patches – aren’t they all rabid? A9. Skin problems and fur fall are not symptoms of rabies. Rabies affects the central nervous system, not the skin. Probably the confusion occurred because there is a skin disease called scabies. Strangely, this question is asked quite often in India.

Q10. How exactly do you sterilise the dogs? Are both males and females sterilised? A10. Both males and females need to be sterilised, because while the females actually give birth to more dogs, the males are more aggressive and have much higher nuisance value. Complaints from the public are almost always about males.

Both males and females are surgically sterilised at our centre, under general anaesthesia, by qualified veterinary surgeons. The process is also called neutering. In the case of females the ovaries and uterus are removed, and in the case of males the testicles are removed. Therefore both mating and breeding cease. The dogs are kept for post-operative care for a period of 8 days and then released in their original location.

Q11. Ok, so the birth rate of dogs comes down over time…but what about dog-bites? A11. As explained earlier, most dog aggression occurs during mating time, as dogs cross territories to mate and fight with other dogs whose areas they enter. Humans passing by get accidentally bitten in the course of these dog-fights. This problem ends when all the dogs from a neighbourhood are sterilised.

As testosterone levels come down after sterilisation, male dogs also become less aggressive. Street dog females are usually aggressive only when they have puppies to protect, so with sterilisation this problem ends as well.

Q12. Dogs bark and howl the whole night – how can you solve that problem? A12. Barking and howling occur during dog-fights, which take place at their mating time, so with sterilisation the problem disappears. Dogs bark when new dogs enter their territory, and as these migrations cease with sterilisation, the barking largely ends too. They also howl when they live and move in packs. When the dog population dwindles in size, pack behaviour also declines.

Q13. How would I know if a dog has been sterilised? A13. Our organisation puts an identification tattoo on the dog’s left inner thigh, giving the month and year of sterilisation. Other animal welfare groups put different identification marks – some brand the dog’s outer thigh and one organisation cuts a triangular notch in the ear.

Q14. The dog problem may have reduced in South Mumbai – but there are still so many dogs in the suburbs. What’s being done about that? A14. The human population and the number of high-rise buildings are growing very fast in the suburbs, leading to suddenly increased amounts of garbage, leading to a large population of street dogs.

Our organisation has been working consistently for eleven years in South Mumbai, which is why the dog population has reduced there. Animal welfare organisations working in the suburbs started operations much later, and will need some time to show results.

Q15. How did street dogs originate anyway? A15. India has long been home to the Pariah Dog, one of the world’s oldest canine breeds. In slightly varied forms, the Pariah Dog has existed for over 14,000 years all over Asia and North Africa. Most rural families own at least one. As villages and rural areas turned into cities, these dogs became street dogs. As explained earlier, they survive by eating garbage and are also kept as pets by slum-dwellers.

The street dog population is regularly increased by callous owners who abandon their pets on the street. Many irresponsible pure-breed owners also allow their pets to mate with street dogs, producing a large population of mix-breeds or mongrels.

Q16. What is the difference between street dogs and mongrels? A16. Street dog is merely a legal term indicating an animal who is ownerless and homeless. It does not refer to the breed of the dog. When pure-breedsare lost or abandoned on the street by their owners, they also become street dog.

A mongrel is a dog of mixed or indeterminate breed. Both the terms street and mongrel are commonly – and erroneously – used to denote a Pariah Dog. Pariahs are a distinct breed of dog, coming under the category of primitive or aboriginal breeds. Since they are not commercially recognised, this fact is not widely known.

In India, most street dogs are Pariah Dogs or mongrels. Once a Pariah or mongrel gets adopted as a house-pet, it ceases to be a street dog.

Q17. My building society wants to remove all the dogs from the premises and release them in another area – is that legal? A17. No, it is absolutely illegal and punishable. Under the Bombay Municipal Corporation Act only the staff of the BMC or people authorised by them can capture street dogs. The guidelines for dog population control approved by the Mumbai High Court in 1998 also prohibit the permanent removal of street dogs from their original location.

Q18. Some people go around feeding street dogs. Doesn’t that increase the street dog problem? A18. No. Street dog populations are created and sustained by garbage, not by handouts from kind-hearted ladies! In fact, people who feed dogs generally get them vaccinated and neutered as well, so the population would actually decrease where dogs are being fed. However, feeding should be done in a responsible manner so that it does not cause any disturbance to the public.

Q19. Isn’t it sad that street dogs have to eat garbage? A19. Archaeological studies indicate that wolves started living near human settlements so that they could eat the garbage thrown outside. Dogs evolved from these wolves, and have always been scavengers. Unlike humans, they do not view garbage with disgust. In fact, even a well-fed pedigreed dog will often make trips to the dustbin when his owners aren’t looking. Of course, eating garbage has its risks, since once in a while a dog may eat something poisonous – but many street dogs lead long and healthy lives with no other source of food.

Q20. What should I do if I want the dogs in my area sterilised? A20. You should request the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, preferably in writing, to pick up the dogs and hand them over to the nearest animal welfare organisation for sterilisation. State clearly that you want them returned to the same area afterwards. If you like, contact us and we will arrange for them to be picked up.

Q21. If I want street dogs vaccinated against rabies what should I do? A21. We can vaccinate them if they are within Mumbai city limits. Contact us.

Q22. If I see a sick or injured dog, what should I do? A22. Our first-aid groups can treat wounds and skin problems on site. If the injury or illness is serious, call the SPCA on 24137518.

Q23. Do I have to pay anything if I want any of those services? A23. Our organisation does not charge for any services. However, check with individual organisations regarding their policies.

Why adopt a pariah ?

The Indian Pariah Dog is an ancient breed related to the spitz family and the Australian Dingo. Its origin dates back 12,000 to 15,000 years – older than any other breed. Since it is not commercially bred or recognised, it has long been relegated to a second-class position in the canine world. However in recent years it has been steadily gaining in popularity as a house pet.

Pariahs are friendly, highly intelligent and adaptable, not to mention good-looking and well-proportioned. They are very alert and naturally good watchdogs. They are usually healthy and sturdy, and particularly hardy in our sweltering tropical climate.

In Israel, the local Pariah dog has now been recognised and specially bred.

What is true. What is false. What you must know.

Human beings have always been afraid of the unknown. Whether it was lightning or thunder thousands of years ago, or smallpox in the last century, ignorance of factual information has always led to myths, rumours and irrational fears. At the same time, ignorance of precautions has led to many tragic deaths.

This small piece of communication from The Welfare of Street Dogs (WSD) attempts to demystify the dreaded and misunderstood disease called rabies, in an easy question-answer format. We would be grateful if you could share this information with your friends.

Q1. What exactly is rabies ? What part of the body does it affect ? A1. Rabies is a fatal viral disease which affects the central nervous system. It causes inflammation of the brain, leading to death.

Q2 How is rabies spread ?. A2. It is transmitted when infected saliva enters broken skin. This means through the bite of a rabid animal, or through its lick on an existing cut or wound. The disease is not airborne and has very rarely been spread by aerosols. It can be spread by all warm-blooded animals (especially mammals), but for humans dogs are the most important source of infection.

Q3. Is it curable ? A3. Once the symptoms are developed it is not curable. However it can be successfully prevented by prompt post-exposure treatment.

Q4. What is the duration of the disease ? A4. The “incubation period” is roughly 10 days to 1 year. It depends on several factors including the site of entry of the virus into the body. Generally the closer the bite is to the brain, the quicker the progress of the disease. Once clinical signs appear the disease progresses rapidly to death, generally within 5 to 7 days.

Q5. What are the signs ? A5. First there are vague, non-specific signs such as fever, nausea or pain. Thereafter canine rabies can take one of two forms: “furious” rabies or “dumb” rabies. In the “furious” form there is great restlessness, abnormal behaviour, salivation, weakness of the back legs and paralysis. The dog is hyperexcitable and aggressive, biting even imaginary objects. In the “dumb” form, dogs show incoordination leading to paralysis, and want to hide in dark places. In both forms there are changes in the voice and inability to swallow. In the last stage, paralysis causes respiratory failure, leading to coma and death.

Q6. Does a dog showing these signs definitely have rabies ? A6. Not necessarily. Of course, if all the signs are present there is a strong possibility of rabies. However, certain neurological or other disorders can also show several of these symptoms. Salivation can be caused by foreign bodies or ulcers in the mouth or even by poisoning. People also tend to interpret provoked biting as rabid behaviour. Hence diagnoses should be carried out only by experts.

Q7. How is rabies diagnosed ? A7. Either clinically or by laboratory examination. For clinical diagnoses the veterinarian looks for a combination of symptoms, at the animal’s history and habits, its attitude towards its owner (in the case of pets) and towards other dogs. Laboratory examination of brain tissue is carried out after death. Blood tests (i.e.ELISA) can be carried out on living animals but are not commonly performed. Please remember that a lay person is not qualified to diagnose rabies and may cause much harm by attempting to do so.

Q8. Is it true rabid dogs cannot bear the sight of water ? A8. No; it is more a case of being unable to drink water due to painful spasms and paralysis of the muscles which assist swallowing. This condition also causes salivation, since the dog cannot swallow his saliva.

Q9. Do all street dogs carry rabies ? A9. No. However, they are very vulnerable, since many of them are still unvaccinated and unlikely to get post-exposure vaccinations after a bite.

Q10. Can pet dogs get rabies ? Should they be vaccinated ? A10. Yes! Unvaccinated pets who roam freely are at very high risk. Official sources indicate that about half of human rabies deaths are caused by the bites of pets. Pet dogs should be vaccinated every year.

Q11. What about cats ? A11. Pet cats should also be vaccinated every year. Neither pet dogs nor cats should be allowed to roam freely.

Q12. If I am bitten or licked by an animal suspected of rabies, what should I do ? A12. Act quickly. (a) As soon as possible wash the wound for at least 10 minutes with soap and running water. The importance of washing cannot be overemphasised. It removes 94.4% of the viral particles. (b) Next, disinfect the wound with Dettol, Cetavelon, Betadine or spirit. (c) Consult a doctor and start your post-exposure vaccination course. If any unknown dog makes an unprovoked attack, take the full course. If a known dog makes a provoked attack, take 3 vaccinations at least. In either case the dog should be observed for at least 14 days. This is because in dogs, death generally occurs within 10 to 12 days after the virus reaches the salivary glands. If the animal shows no signs within this period it is more or less safe to assume that he will not have transmitted rabies.

Q13. Can an animal who shows no signs of rabies transmit the disease ? A13. In real life it is extremely unlikely that a dog who shows no signs will transmit the disease. There is a “carrying” stage called the incubation period, from the time when the virus enters the body and starts multiplying, up to the time it reaches the brain and the animal starts showing signs. Transmission during this period has been very rarely observed and only under laboratory conditions.

Q14. Can puppies be born with rabies or get it through their mother’s milk ? A14. They cannot be born with it, but the virus could be found in the mother’s milk. However puppies of a rabid bitch are at higher risk through their mother’s licks and bites.

Q15. If I am bitten by a rabid animal, will I definitely get rabies ? A15. No. In fact, human beings have relatively low susceptibility to rabies. According to statistics, on an average only 15-20% of people who have been bitten by proven rabid animals and received no post-exposure treatment die from rabies. However, please do not ever neglect your post-exposure treatment. With rabies, you should not take a chance.

Q16. What is the rate or human rabies deaths in India ? A16. The rate is estimated to be 1.7 – 3.3 per 1,00,000 inhabitants (about 25,000 – 30,000 deaths per annum). In Mumbai there were about 50 deaths a year until 1992. The deaths had dropped considerably by 2001, largely due to the implementation of mass vaccination as a preventive measure.

Q17. What should I do if I see a rabid-looking street dog ? A17. Call the Municipal Dog Squad and ask them to catch the dog immediately and isolate it for observation. Please do not attempt to touch it or kill it.

As per a news report in Scroll.in, Six years back in 2016, citizens in Kerala took matters in their own hands to seemingly solve ‘the stray dog menace,’ resulting in large-scale culling of dogs. That was nothing short of mass murder and definitely not the way to go about solving the issue. In fact, stray dogs have as much a right to live with dignity and peace as we humans do.

Why does the attack & abuse happen ?

Prevalent Myths

Animals can’t be trusted

According to the National Geographic, a new study reveals that even stray dogs who are untrained, homeless and abused can interpret our body language.

Strays are seen as carriers of rabies

Even though not all dogs have rabies, all dog bites definitely need to be treated – unless the dog had been vaccinated against rabies in the previous year.

Stories about stray dogs biting & mulling

Way forward

Implementing a thoughtful & safe Sterilization drive

Respect towards feeders/volunteers

Cruelty to animals is not done

Do not violate Animal Rights

Some Noteworthy Legal Facts and Provisions in this Matter

Article 21 of the Constitution of India protects all forms of life, including animal life.
In addition, Article 51A(g) imposes on all citizens a fundamental duty to have compassion for living creatures. The Supreme Court of India has interpreted Articles 21 and 51A(g) to mean that animals have a right to lead a life with intrinsic worth, dignity and security.
The Central Government has enacted a law specifically with regard to animals, namely, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Under the Act, the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001 (‘ABC Rules’) have been framed and prescribe comprehensive rules relating to stray dogs, amongst others. Under the ABC Rules, stray dogs are to be sterilised, vaccinated and subsequently released into the same area, from where they were captured. The Rules also provide that dogs who are sick are to be treated, prior to their sterilisation and vaccination.
The Constitution of India gives precedence to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2001 over state and local laws, such as the Kerala State Municipality Act, 1994, under which Section 438 permits the Secretary to order the “seizure and destruction” of stray dogs in a municipal area. In a recent development, Rule 13 of the ABC Rules provides that “in case of any conflict between the Rules and local laws, the provision that is less irksome to the animal shall prevail.”

Punjab and Haryana High Court Verdict on JUNE 8, 2019

It is important to remember that animals and birds have legal rights, just as humans – as stated by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in an exceptional judgment on Animal Welfare Law on JUNE 8, 2019. It further declared citizens as “guardians of the animal kingdom” with a duty to ensure their welfare and protection.

As per the historic judgment and also as highlighted in The Better India, it would be the duty of the citizens, to ensure the following:

Animals are healthy and comfortable,
Well-nourished and in a safe environment,
Express innate behavior without pain, fear and distress.
Be entitled to justice, and;
Safe from being treated as objects or property.

Report abuse

Allow them to sit or rest in public space around your home

Adopt a Stray

Instead of going for fancy & costly breed of dogs, try adopting a stray. They are low maintenance and are as good and dedicated to their family members who adopt them.

While strays certainly don’t have the luxury of a cushy life that house pets fortunately have been blessed with, the former is still adaptable to humans and they too respond to human empathy.

LAWS FOR STRAY Dogs..

High Court passed an order asking the police to provide protection to dogs and dog feeders and has made it a PUNISHABLE OFFENCE IN CASE ANYONE RESTRICTS, PROHIBITS OR CAUSES INCONVENIENCE TO ANY PERSON FEEDING A STREET DOG OR RESORTS TO REMOVAL OR DISLOCATION OR KILLING A DOG.
SECTION 503:- Indian Penal Code 1860, provides that intimidation is a criminal offence which is cognizable. ANYONE WHO THREATENS OR INTIMIDATES ANY PERSON TAKING CARE OF DOGS IS LIABLE FOR CRIMINAL INTIMIDATION UNDER SECTION 503 OF INDIAN PENAL CODE AND CAN BE ARRESTED WITHOUT A WARRANT.
SECTION 506:- IT IS A CRIME TO THREATEN, ABUSE OR HARASS NEIGHBOURS WHO FEED ANIMALS.
I.P.C. Section 428 and 429 provides SEVERE PUNISHMENT (up to 5 years imprisonment) TO PEOPLE RESORTING TO DISLOCATION, ABDUCTION, AND ACTS OF CRUELTY towards community animals or pets.
Delhi Police act 1968, sections 73 to 79, 99 gives special powers to police to take action when an animal offence has been committed.
Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act makes all animal cruelty a criminal offence. Fines and imprisonment are both provided for. The Indian Penal Code has similar provisions.
The Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules, 2001, enacted under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, provide for sterilization and vaccination as a means of stabilizing/reducing stray dog populations and eliminating the risk of rabies; and prohibits relocation of stray dogs, i.e. throwing, or driving them out of one area, into another. An order passed by the Supreme Court of India in this regard, which prohibits removal, dislocation or killing of all dogs.
Under Stray Dog Management Rules 2001, IT IS ILLEGAL FOR AN INDIVIDUAL, RWA or estate management to remove or relocate dogs. The dogs have to be sterilized and vaccinated and returned to the same area. Vaccinated and sterilized dogs cannot be removed by the municipality too.
Ministry of Public Grievances notification and a similar notification by Animal Welfare Board of India to PROVIDE IMMUNITY TO ANIMAL FEEDERS AND RESTRICT and restrict government employees or bodies such as Resident Welfare Associations SOCIETIES FROM HARASSING PEOPLE WHO FEED OR HELP ANIMALS.
The Supreme Court of India gave a similar stay order against removal culling or dislocation of a dog anywhere in India.

*Article 51-A (g) states – ” It shall be duty of every citizen of India to protect & improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.” So the animal lover is protected under the Constitution.

*Article 19 of the Constitution of India, deals with right to freedom and in this freedom comes the right to profession, occupation, trade and business which means that if someone has taken the caring of animals as his occupation, it is legal and he has every right to carry on with his occupation.

*Article 21 of the Constitution of India states the right to personal life and liberty. If someone wants to feed and provide shelter to dogs, he is at liberty to do so. He has the same right to liberty that the law provides to every citizen of India.

Pets are an integral part of modern-day families

In most modern-day families, pets are a part of the arrangement. Now, imagine moving into a new apartment and being told by your Resident Welfare Association (RWA) that pets are not allowed on the premises. While such regulations are sure to disappoint you, many RWAs have been coming up with clauses in their bye-laws, banning pets. While some RWAs resort to imposing a monthly penalty on people keeping pets, some restrict pets from using elevators. Imagine being in a multi-story building with a pet in such a scenario. Back in February 2015, the Animal Welfare Board of India issued a notice with a set of guidelines for pet owners. Under the law, no RWA or any other society associate can discourage a resident from owning a pet. At the same time, the pet owners’ role as a parent is also to ensure that they keep the pet clean and in good health and away from harming others. According to the guidelines, the residents need to be careful about their pets and ensure that they don’t harm others. While doing so, they must also distinguish between reasonable and unreasonable, lawful and unlawful claims of their pets creating trouble for others. However, such pressure should not let them abandon their pets as it is an offense under the law. In case an RWA asks a resident to give up on their pet, it will be considered an offense.

RWAs cannot express ridicule against the barking of pet dogs

There could be instances when a pet owner’s dog barks, which might not be liked by the neighbors. The guidelines put this noise as a way of expression and must be tolerated. However, pet parents are advised to help the situation as much as possible to avoid inconvenience to neighbors. A pet is your family member and the RWA cannot dictate the kind, the size, or the breed of pets you can keep. It cannot ban any kind of pet stating that ‘large-sized dogs are not allowed. Also, even if the majority in a general body meeting of the RWA decides against you keeping your pet, this is illegal.

RWA can put forth reasonable requests

However, the pet owners should discuss with their RWAs ways and means to dispose of pet excreta, etc. The RWA can also allot pet corners and designated areas for such use. Pet owners, caregivers, and dogwalkers must ensure that if the pet defecates on public premises, the owner must ensure cleanliness. “It is clarified that it is for each residential community and complex to decide which method works best for them and solutions cannot be imposed on anybody,” the guidelines read.

No RWA can ask for a penalty or impose a rule or by-law which says that pet owners must clean pet excreta etc. This is because there is no state or Central law which says so. However, pet owners must agree to lawful requests for smooth community living. It is the responsibility of owners to keep their pets healthy and clean. Many neighbors might not like pets and animals, because they may pose to be health hazards if they aren’t clean and tidy. Regular vaccinations and sterilization are advisable.

Ensure to leash your pets in public to ensure others are comfortable around them; neither the pet nor others should be victims in an evitable accident. The RWAs, however, cannot insist upon the use of muzzles. There is a strict penalty against negligent pet parents and aggrieved parties can avail of it.

No RWA has the right to debar pets from lifts though owners if asked, could use alternate working lifts if such a service is easily accessible and comfortable. Also, RWAs cannot insist on a fee from you for making your pets use these lifts.

Keeping Pet in an Apartment gives immense happiness to their masters due to their strong bonding & affectionate relationship. Pets act as shock absorbers.

Animal Welfare Board of India says if any pet owners not violating any municipal law are permitted to stay in society.

Being a resident of a housing societ y, pet lovers should also understand that pets should not cause nuisance and botheration for others.

According to Article 51 A(g) of the Indian Constitution, it is the responsibility of every citizen to behave compassionately towards living creature and animals Section11(3) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 states that it is illegal for housing societies to pass a resolution disallowing pets.

Here is the list of bye-laws for keeping pets related to the rules with respect to pet dogs and pet-owning residents in the housing societies.

General rules by Animal Welfare Board of India

Bye-Laws for keeping pets says that any housing society cannot ban residents from keeping pets.
Any sort of ban can not be implemented by society. Even any resolution passed in the General Body meeting will be considered invalid. Any ban on keeping pets cannot be introduced by society by amending Bye-laws for keeping pets.
The Sub tenants (the licensee) can have pets in their flat.
Society cannot discriminate on the side of the pets.
Dog barking cannot be a valid reason to impose a ban on pets.
Having pets at home is a fundamental freedom guaranteed to the citizens of India as per the constitution.
keeping pets in apartment & residents owners of the pets not violating any municipal law are permissible to stay in the housing society.

Use of lift by pets

Pets cannot be disallowed from using lifts of the buildings. As per court ruling dogs/pets are family and so must have access to lifts in any society.
Housing Society cannot levy any extra charges or fees to the members who use a lift for their pets.
Society has no right to introduce any modification in this regard.
Courts consider pets to be a part of the family so pets cannot be stopped from using society lift.

Access to the park and garden of society

Society cannot disallow pets from entering the parks and garden of society.

Use of leashes and/or muzzles

Society cannot force the members to keep their pets on leash (Strap or chain) or muzzles.

Defecation by pets in the society premises

There no law in regards to cleaning pets excreta by the master.
Even if the pet defecates in society premises still society cannot Impose fine to the master.

Bye-laws related to Street dogs

Beating and driving away street dogs is not allowed.
Taking street dogs for birth control or other medication-related measures is allowed but they must be released back into the same locality.
There is no law restricting Indian residents from feeding stray dogs. Feeding stray animals is a compassionate feeling and is supported by the higher courts.
Beating street dogs is an offense; it comes under the animal cruelty Act as a punishable offense under section 428 and 429 of the Indian Penal Code.

section 428 and 429 are as under:

Section 428 – Mischief by killing or maiming animal of the value of ten rupees. Whoever commits mischief by killing, poisoning, maiming or rendering useless any animal or animals of the value of ten rupees or upwards, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

Section 429 – Mischief by killing or maiming cattle, etc., of any value or any animal of the value of 50 rupees. Whoever commits mischief by killing, poisoning, maiming or rendering useless, any elephant, camel, horse, mule, buffalo, bull, cow or ox, whatever may be the value thereof, or any other animal of the value of 50 rupees or upwards, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 5 years, or with fine, or with both.

Hostility or aggressive behavior towards a pet that may lead pets to embrace aggressive behavior is not allowed.

Duties of Pet owners

Pet owners must understand the meaning of Co-existence and Co-operation. Pet owners are given liberty in many respects but at the same time, it is their duty to be considerate.

Few Precautionary measures

Pet owners can be requested to clean up after pets defecate or they can be trained to use a specified defecation area. It will help to keep the premises clean and other members’ happy.
Dogs can be kept under control while taking for a walk in the society’s premises so that others feel safe.
The timings for access to the Park in the society can be fixed in the General Body Meeting and accordingly informed the pet owners.
Pet owners should take care that the barking is not causing a nuisance to other members especially neighbors.
Pets should be kept clean, healthy and vaccinated. Pet owners should be aware that housing society can file a case against a negligent pet owner.

Why should I help stray dogs?

The answer is quite simple. Very often, you find yourself stepping out of your home and being surrounded by stray dogs. Some of them look quite healthy while the others look hurt, famished, or weak. Some of them even display signs of diseases. Should you just pass them averting your eyes and get on with your business? What happens if you do that? The stray dog population increases and in the next few days, you will find only more of them on your streets. This is not helpful to you and your community and more importantly, is unhelpful to these dogs.

A dog’s behaviour is a product of its environment. Previously abused or abandoned dogs will be defensive. It is only natural. Hungry dogs will look for food and hope it comes their way from passersby. People need to have a basic understanding of this when faced with stray dogs.

These dogs have nowhere safe to go and will roam the streets for food. They may wander into the middle of traffic and may hurt themselves. What’s more, this may cause an accident. Both the stray dog and people are affected in this case.
Stray dogs will not have a place to mark their territories and there is the possibility that urine or faeces will be all around. Dog waste can be a contaminant in your water and can get sick with the bacteria in the dog’s faeces. They are a health hazard.
Stray dogs may be defensive because they are afraid. Children may not understand this and may either reach out to pet or shoo them away so that they can play. A frightened dog may react in anger and aggression.
Stray dogs are considered a nuisance. They may be noisy and may be perceived as a general disturbance in the neighbourhood.

You don’t need to be a dog lover to feel compassion towards them.

Compassion is an innate human tendency. And in the case of animals, we tend to reserve a softer spot in our hearts.

Despite this, there has been a longstanding misconception about stray dogs – that they are aggressive and less fun to have around. The truth is, most of these dogs were once pets, or belonged to a long line of domesticated breeds that have been unfortunate enough to undergo stressful situations like abandonment and ill-treatment.

Avid dog lovers know that even stray dogs deserve the same amount of love, care, and attention as their domestic counterparts. So, when there is an opportunity to care for a stray or an abandoned pet, you can implement these ten useful tips.

Top tips on how to help stray dogs in India :

Find like-minded neighbours in your community

The first step to help stray dogs is building a safe haven by creating a community of dog lovers. Remember, you are never alone in the fight for a good cause. Searching for fellow dog lovers in your community is actually quite easy. Just observe the behavioural patterns of stray dogs towards people in your neighbourhood, and you’ll likely find quite a few like-minded people who want to help street dogs.

Strays develop a keen understanding of where and when to go in order to receive basic needs like food and shelter. Once you know whom to trust, simply connect with them. Work together to find out and arrange for vets, food, shelter, and more. Remember that just feeding stray dogs is not enough – real caring is when you feed them and also ensure they are sterilized/neutered by an NGO and get their yearly anti-rabies shot Caring for dogs as a community will greatly help in reducing the stray dog population, give relief to overcrowded animal shelters, and give the stray dogs in your community someone to love and trust and live a healthy and peaceful life even though it is on the streets.

Arrange for shelter and regular food

Now the real work begins. This is where taking up responsibility comes into play. To function better as a community, you must try and segregate tasks among your fellow dog lovers. Some may have an idea about the best foods, when to feed and what to avoid feeding stray dogs , while others will be keen on setting up makeshift shelters out of cardboard boxes.

You will also have a young audience who might consider adopting a stray for personal care. Ensure that kids do not pick up pups and take them home for fun. This is cruelty to the animals. The pups are best left with their mother and it is helpful if the mother gets good food at least once a day so she doesn’t have to wander away from the babies looking for food during the day. Once the mother dog stops lactating, then please contact the nearest NGO to get her spayed so there will be no pups in the future and she will stay healthy.

Adopt and support stray dogs

A healthy dog is a happy dog. Before considering a stray dog for adoption, get the medical check-up and vaccinations completed A quick visit to your nearest vet is essential. If signs of unease in the stray dog persist even after treatment, opt for a second medical opinion .

Bear in mind that you may also come across stray dogs that are in critical conditions, they may look malnourished, show signs of abuse, or are just too old and weak to be adopted. Don’t worry, for such stray dogs, you can get in touch with a permanent home where they can live and be loved just as much as a healthy dog.

Vaccinate and sterilize/neuter

If your local animal expert or vet identifies some stray dogs that are of appropriate age to be vaccinated, don’t hesitate to get this done. Neutering adolescent dogs is also recommended, and in fact a mandate passed by the Indian government, as it greatly helps in population control and improves their health.

If you are not comfortable in directly approaching a stray that needs to be vaccinated/neutered, contact an NGO that helps dogs. After a dog has undergone the required sterilization/neutering procedure, it may need five days of rest and medical care before being let back in the location from where he or she was picked up. Releasing the stray dog back in the original location is mandatory as per animal birth control laws in the country.

Raise awareness and learn the laws

Just like humans, dogs have rights too, and that extends to the stray dog population. For years, dog lovers have been fighting for a proper legal system that must be set in place against the unethical treatment of stray dogs. India has one of the world’s best laws in place to protect the rights of stray dogs. You can read this legal framework for stray dogs . Unfortunately, the implementation of the laws leave much to be desired. So it is important that you spread awareness about such laws within your community – refer to legal advice and precedents set by courts in India when in doubt.

A dog’s loyalty is one of its greatest assets, so ensuring their safety and security from unlawful activities will help increase the bond you share with them.

Prevent and report cruelty

If you happen to come across animal abuse, don’t just be a mute spectator. If you see someone beating or troubling a dog, take it personally and object. Try to educate them instead. Tell them that it is punishable by law to harm or relocate stray dogs forcefully.

Some people in your locality may not have the best of intentions for dogs. Keep an eye out for them and be prepared to solve any conflicts that may possibly arise. In extreme cases, opting for legal advice can prove useful.

Rescue a lost or abandoned dog

As mentioned earlier, a major part of the stray dog population comprises lost and abandoned pets. It’s not hard to identify them. They will probably have a collar on and be responsive to commands. Sometimes, such dogs can be hostile or defensive due to separation anxiety , prior abuse, neglect and sickness. Here’s how you can help a dog that is lost or abandoned:

Try to secure the dog and ensure that it receives immediate food, water and medical treatment.
Use Facebook groups, WhatsApp, or other social media platforms to circulate images of the dog.
Ask around the area for lost dog posters.
If you receive any claims of ownership, thoroughly verify it before giving up the dog.
Try for adoption of the dog if no owner is found.
If you can’t find its owner and there are no leads for adoption, contact a dog sanctuary and surrender the dog.
Organize a Dog Welfare program

One of the best and most effective ways to ensure that the stray dogs in your community are receiving the love and attention they deserve, is to organise a welfare program. These programs can come in the form of adoption drives, feeding drives, neutering, and a push for improving infrastructure and medical needs by local municipal corporations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are stray dogs good pets?

Unlike the common misconception that stray dogs are difficult to be house trained, it is actually the opposite. If you are wondering how to take care of street dogs, don’t worry. Stray dogs have a very friendly nature and are extremely adaptive. In addition, they are more immune to diseases and shed a lot less, which can save you a lot of hassle.

Is it OK to adopt a stray dog?

Adopting a stray dog is a great idea from a humanitarian as well as ease perspective. If you are a canine lover and always looking for answers on how to help stray dogs in India, adoption is the key. Stray dogs make for great pets and can easily be house trained due to their adaptive nature. They have a strong immune system and can be great companions for you and your family.

Are stray dogs dangerous?

Many people want to help stray dogs but are worried about contracting diseases. A stray dog that hasn’t been taken care of definitely poses risks of infectious diseases. However, once those dogs are well cleaned, vaccinated, and neutered by the medical staff, they will be the reason for joy in your life.

Is it OK to feed stray dogs?

It is perfectly normal to help street dogs by feeding them as long as you keep a few points in mind. Firstly, make sure that you feed them at a dedicated time and ensure that they are away from any residential areas to avoid canine-human conflicts. Secondly, select separate spots and amount of food to feed them to reduce their dependence on you. Thirdly, be careful of any open wounds on the strays and get them treated to avoid further infections. Last but not least – always ensure that you get the stray dogs spayed/neutered with your local NGO or private vet hospital. Feeding stray dogs without sterilisation is an invitation to suffering and misery for the pups born from intact stray dogs. As a dog lover, you must do the best to ensure the population of stray dogs in your community is controlled through proper sterilisation programs. It is also essential to get the stray dogs an anti-rabies shot annually.

STRAY DOG MANAGEMENT IN INDIA – A SCANTILY ADDRESSED AREA OF CONCERN

India is the nation that has the highest number of stray dogs and likewise, the nation with the highest rate of human rabies in the world1. The commonly seen stray dogs in India are the ‘Indian Pariah Dogs’ which are noted for their capacity to survive as they are highly immune to a plethora of diseases owing to their evolution. They are mostly people friendly and can make for excellent guard dogs. Still, their basic hunting dispositions pose a considerable threat to humans. Several instances can be coined to address the threat posed by stray dogs to the peaceful living of people in India. In fact, thousands of citizens are being attacked by them in a single day, which results in caustic casualties. Many people lose their life due to rabis infection inflicted through stray dog bites. Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the ‘Right to life’ to its citizens and makes it mandatory for state and local governments to provide a safe and ailment-free atmosphere. It is the duty of the government to direct the municipal authorities to keep the public places, especially free of stray animals and avert public inconvenience through its sophisticated municipal law. Still, the menace of stray dogs is not a novel issue in India and also not a matter which seems to await a speedy remedy. This study tries to analyse the extent and diversity of threats posed by stray dogs in India and also tries to formulate a plausible pattern of mitigation mechanism which helps curb the menace which doesn’t conflict with the established legal standards.

IS IT TRULY A SCANTILY NOTICED AREA OF CONCERN?

Imagine, while a terrorist attack, one of the citizens losing his/her life in India. How much will be the mediatization done to address the issue. Then, consider about thousands those who lose their lives due to the attack and interference of stray dogs every year in India. The amount of attention given by `media as well as by the governmental mechanisms is obviously meagre. The objective of this idea conveyed is to get an understanding of the worth of a life, irrespective of the mode which takes it. Whatever costs the life of citizens should be addressed and all possible methods of mitigation shall be employed in its eradication. Same is the case with stray dog menace. Apart from rabies majority of stray dogs are infected with parvo infection, mange and distemper which are contagious. 2 Even a small scratch or bite from a stray dog results in the injection of four shots of rabies vaccination on differently scheduled days. Apart from this, several deaths and serious casualties have reported when the stray dog causes a collision when it runs into the road. Citizens pay road taxes to the government which is primarily responsible to safeguard the life of its subjects. But, in the case of stray dog’s free-access to public roads, the governments are silent as it is a ‘Pandora’s Box’ which has multifarious levels of issues when it comes to the extermination.

In march 2016, the municipal authorities reported to Supreme Court that from 1994 to 2015, 434 deaths happened in Mumbai, due to dog bites. As per reports, 1.3 million people were bitten by stray dogs amid this timespan. Kolkata had a stray dog population of more than 80000 in 2018 and its rising. 3 The number of stray dogs in the major cities of India as per 20th livestock census 2016 is as under

These figures are from 2016 census. The current figures of stray dog population in India will never going to disclose an inferior number. World Health Organization (WHO) has identified that 36% of world deaths due to rabies is happening in India. ‘WHO’ has also recognised that dog bites are the root cause for the transmission of rabies to humans contributing up to 99% and added that every year 18000-20000 citizens lose their lives in India due to rabies. 7 This is way much higher than the number of people killed in terrorist attacks in India. 8 It still doesn’t seem alarming and an under-noticed issue?

CONVERGENCE OF ANIMAL RIGHTS AND HUMAN RIGHTS JURISPRUDENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

Humans fix the standards related with human rights as well animal rights. The friction is obvious as question related to priority in preservation of these rights arose. Whether the animal rights should be compromised for the protection of human rights or vice versa is an evergreen debatable issue as it varies in the perspectives. Animal rights activists do strongly condemn any action against the elimination of stray dogs from the public as they consider stray dogs as the part of the environment who have the right to exist along with humans and other animals. They advocate that it is the duty of the humans to preserve the rights of animals at first. Humans should avoid exploiting or exterminating animals as the interests of animals are as same as humans. But, never contemplate animals can have rights akin to humans. For example, humans can’t confer right to vote to animals. Still, they can be conferred basic rights such as right to physical, psychological and emotional health, right to adequate food and shelter, right not to be harmed and exploited, right to share the environment with other animals including humans, right to be valued and ultimately the right to live.

While analysing the jurisprudential recognition of animal rights it is just to coin Charles Darwin, who was a scientist and a naturalist. His renowned theory of ‘Natural selection’ has managed to radically alter the perspectives of humans from considering themselves as specially made by God, to being yet another animal evolved from an animal. 9 Although he wasn’t an animal rights advocate, his theories have strong implications as to the importance of animal rights and standards to be maintained while dealing with animals. Darwin identified shared attributes in animals and humans like anger, terror, deceit, courage and timidity. All these vary among animals just like humans. Also, they possess multiple emotions like desire to be loved, admiral of appreciation, jealousy etc. 10

While the celebrated jurist ‘Emmanual Kant’, considered rationality as the supreme factor in conferring rights to animals. For him, rationality is not alike intelligence. It is the normative capacity of humans to judge an action as good or bad. It is that incomparable capacity to find reasons for their beliefs and actions is what makes humans distinctive of animals 11 . Although, in an apparent sense it may feel like Kant was against the conferring of rights to animal, but it’s not legit to understand it so. At his period, his views were far progressive. Kant was of the view that animals should not be used as the subject of conducting painful experiments nor they should not be used for any sports. If they must be killed, it should be done quick and with less pain. He adds that humans have duty towards animals which they don’t owe to animals, but to themselves. 12

Jeremy Bentham is yet another illustrious jurist who is still memorized for his ‘Principle of utilitarianism’. Bentham’s statement ‘The question is not can they reason? Nor, can they talk? But can they suffer?’ 13 was wide popular in animal welfare circles of that time. He considered the capacity for suffering as the sole criterion for conferring rights to animals. While, Henry Stephen Salt was of the view that humans shouldn’t kill their fellow-beings which lower the standard of a civilized society. He added that ‘it is ourselves, our own vital instincts, that we wrong, when we trample on the rights of the fellow-beings or animals, over whom we chance to hold jurisdiction’.

Meanwhile human rights are those universally accepted principles which are common to all humans around the globe. Its characteristic are universality, inalienability, indivisibility, participation, non-discrimination, transparency and accountability. 15 The convergence of Human rights with animal rights stems from the basic fact that humans are yet another animal species. There is no qualitative distinction between human rights and animal rights, but only quantitative. Some animals have properties like consciousness, self-awareness, sentience, sense of time and ability to plan just like great apes. Thus, human rights can also be understood as a species oh animals rights in general view. Thus, the recognition of animal rights and conferring certain rights to animals is a basic facet of human morality and values.

LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND JUDICIAL RESPONSES IN INDIA PERTAINING TO THE AREA OF STRAY DOG MANAGEMENT

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960

As per section 11(1) of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which is the basic law which prohibits the ill-treatment of animals, ‘mutilation of any animal or killing any animal (including stray dogs) by using the method of strychnine injections in the heart or in any other unnecessarily cruel manner is a cognizable offence. According to section 11, beating, kicking, over-riding, overloading, over-driving, torturing or otherwise treating any animals so as to subject it to unnecessary pain amounts to cruelty on animals.

Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001 (Amended in 2010)

As per Indian law, stray dogs cannot be killed, beaten, driven away, displaced or dislocated. Only allowed manner is the sterilization procedure envisaged in Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001. It classifies dogs as pet dogs and street dogs. It also directs the procedure for controlled breeding, immunization, sterilization and licensing and also divided duty of street dog management among local authorities and residential associations. It also structures the function of a core committee which is meant to control and care street dogs by sheltering, sterilization, catching, vaccination, etc. The rehabilitation of captured street dogs is also the responsibility of local authorities as per the ABC Rules.

AWBI Guidelines for Feeding Stray Dogs in Residential and other Localities

There are certain guidelines issued by the ‘Animal Welfare board of India’ for the feeding of stray dogs in residential and other localities. It states that the dogs must be fed at places which are rarely used by the residents, causeways, public footpath, streets, pedestrian path etc. Anyone interested in feeding stray dogs in their private space/flat can do as such. It also directs the spectrum of feeding interval and manner to be followed while serving food and water. The Animal Welfare Board is of the view that adherence to the guidelines can positively impact the management of stray dogs, and can prevent them from attacking humans.

Other Legislations and Rules

The municipality/Corporation is the authority which is responsible for the stray dog management in India. Municipalities are meant to have adequate dog pounds for sheltering stray dogs. Previously, municipalities used to cull these animals brutishly by electrocution, starvation and even by burying alive. After 1992 is became illegal to kill stray dogs. The High Courts of Delhi, Mumbai, Rajasthan, Gujarat and many other states have directed various municipalities to formulate a sophisticated method instead of culling stray dogs mercilessly. The AWBI has established a code of conduct for the municipalities to deal with stray dogs. Failure in its following invites contempt of court proceedings.

Section 428 and 429 of the Indian Penal Code make it illegal to maim or cause injury to any animal with a monetary value higher than Rs 10.

It is illegal to throw acid on cows (normally done by vegetable sellers.
It is illegal to intentionally kill/injure dogs, cats, cows which roam on the street.
Anyone who engage in such activities which injure animals including stary dogs shall be punished by fine of Rs 2000 and/or a jail term of up to five years.

Judicial response

Indian Judicial system always stood supportive in the protection of animal rights. In Muhammed Habib v. Uttar Pradesh 19 , the court was of the view that ‘the constitution of India doesn’t permit any citizen to claim that it is his fundamental right to take life and kill animals’ and also chapter IV A, Article 51(g) ordains ‘compassion for living creatures’. Even though the court didn’t mention stray dogs as such, the ruling generalized the protection of life of animals, making it applicable to stray dogs also. In Animal Welfare Board v. A. Nagaraja and ors, 20 the apex court reiterated five internationally recognized freedoms for animals. They are freedom from hunger, thirst and malnutrition, freedom from fear and distress, freedom from physical and thermal discomfort, freedom from pain, injury and disease, freedom to express normal patterns of behaviour. The supreme court considered these rights as the fundamental principles of animal rights and it stated that these rights are to be ensured for every animal in the nation.

In Animal Welfare Board of India v. People for elimination of Stray Troubles & Ors 21 it was held that it is the duty of the corporations to manage the stray dogs which creates nuisance. The Supreme court urged Animal Welfare Board to supervise State Municipal Corporations, Municipal committees, district boards and local bodies and analyse whether they follow existing laws and rules pertaining to the protection of such Animals.

On march, 2016, the Supreme court directed all states to conduct sterilization and vaccination programme on stray dogs adhering to the provisions of ‘Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act’ under the guidance of ‘Animal Welfare Board to control’ its population and also to curb the menace of rabies infection. The apex court was considering more than ten writ petitions related with stray dog menace like the welfare and protection of animals& Anr v. state and Ors 22 and Rekha Gare v. State of Govt. of N.C.T of Delhi & Ors. 23 The bench headed by ‘Justice Deepak Mishra’ considered the submission of ‘amicus curiae’ and senior lawyer ‘Dushyant Dave’, and recognised that proper sterilization as per law and rules are not carried out by corporations either because of lack of money or due to apathy. The court also directed state governments to report, matters which indicating compliance of provisions of the Act regarding stray dogs, with the AWBI within six-week time. Thus, it can be identified that Indian Judiciary from time to time has recognised the seriousness of the issue and has directed governments to follow ABC Rules and provision of Protection of Animals Act.

WHY INDIA CRAWL DESPITE OF HAVING AN EFFECTIVE STRAY DOG MANAGEMENT BLUEPRINT

It is a wide acknowledged fact through various statistics and reports, India is home to millions of Stray dogs. Despite of adequate legal mechanism, the actual management of stray dogs in the country is not appreciable. It can be attributed to the improper implementation of the statutes which are framed embodying advanced principles of international legislations. India does have a valid mechanism for managing stray dogs in the form of ABC Rules as mentioned before. The rules follow the pattern of European countries which effectively manage stray dog population in their territory. The rules do recognize the vital role of local authorities and animal welfare association in the management of stray dogs. It mandates such authorities to capture and shelter such stray dogs and also to sterilize and vaccine them. After that the authority should release them to the same locality from which they are captured. This proven pragmatic procedure is the most effective way in controlling the population of stray dogs

It is exactly where the nation strain in the management of stray dog population and menace. It is the utter failure of implementation mechanism which is responsible for the mismanagement. ABC programme implementation is in dormant condition in the majority of states. Owing to multifarious reasons, local bodies fail to implement ABC Rules. Lack of infrastructural facilities is the prime cause as the societies primary concerns are much different. India being a developing nation, the management of stray dogs can’t be found in the top priority list of the local administration as well as for the citizens. A very few numbers of stray dogs are being sterilized by the authorities under the ABC programme, where, it is being the only resort to attain a visible reduction in the number of stray dog population as upheld by the Supreme Court and various High Courts. The ABC Rules made by the Government of India is quite effective as it follows the pattern of proved management system around the world.

Still, it can’t be attributed to AWBI as its sole fault. Primarily it is the failure from the part of Municipalities/Corporations in the periodic monitoring of stray dogs and in the conduction of ABC programme which lead to their overpopulation. Along with that, improper waste management mechanism adds to the menace as it helps stay dogs to survive. An effective system of garbage-disposal can help reduce the population in the near future. It acts as a prime reason for the failure in the implementation of ABC Rules too. The streets in India filled with garbage is the perfect breeding ground for those strays which are not neutered or spayed.

CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS FOR REFORMS

A proper and sophisticated system of management has to be employed for the identification of stray dogs an area. The Municipalities/Corporations should maintain at least an approximate number of the stray dog population and periodic implementation of ABC Rules which includes vaccination, birth control and sterilization techniques. Along with this, adhering to the provisions of various European statutes like ‘The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 of the United Kingdom 25 , the states must initiate the establishment of dog shelters/pounds dedicated to a defined area. This can be used to shelter the captured dogs temporarily for the time needed to sterilize and vaccinate them. Later, they can be released to the same place from which they are captured. Dog Lovers and Animal Welfare Associations should play the pivotal role in the management of stray dog and in the reduction of their population. Likewise proper garbage disposal mechanism should be devised in every nook and corner of the nation. Littering of garbage waste helps stray dogs flourish in numbers as they get adequate food and apt environment to survive. While trying to mitigate its menace, inhumane treatments against the stray dogs should also be avoided.

The natural instinct of humans to cull stray dogs which interfere in their tranquillity and normal life was witnessed in many parts of India. In 2016 at least 120 stray dogs were killed by the people of Kerala in Ernakulam and Palakkad. The incident even received the condemnation from International Animal lovers. The Supreme court also took note on the issue and urged to stop such barbaric move against the extermination of stray dogs. 26 Same happened in the Kerala’s Manjeri where people killed 15 stray dogs which were vaccinated and sterilized. 27 All such barbaric acts should be eradicated from a civilized society. The public must be made aware about the legal consequences of such brutish acts and also should be taught the humane value of preserving animal rights. Then only the re-occurrence of such incidents can be avoided. The knowledge on the system of management of stray dogs can help people deal with them in accordance with law. The corporation/Municipalities should impart such awareness to the citizens along with the execution of their responsibilities as per the provisions enumerated in the ABC Rules. Following all such pragmatic practises can ultimately help reduce the population of stray dogs in India and its interaction with humans, which leads to the death of thousand every year. Every citizen should be aware of the rights of other animals in the globe to co-exist and in case of their menace they should only adhere to the rules and principles established by law. Together, the nation can gradually reduce the stray dog population by applying such established way of mitigation, which doesn’t harm their rights and feelings.

Animal lovers know too well the challenges of keeping a dog/pet in a housing society. To ensure that community living is not hampered in any way, there are certain pet rules in a housing society that residents must follow. To start off, the Animal Welfare Board of India has passed certain dog laws to ensure our furry companions are not harassed or treated unfairly. Both pet owners and the management must be aware of laws for pet owners living in apartments. These dog laws and awareness about pet rights help to keep the housing society functions smoothly. This article takes an in-depth look at the pet rules in housing society in India.

Pet laws in India for pet owners living in apartments

Ban of pets is illegal: The advisory is being issued in pursuance of ‘ Section 9(k) Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,1960 ’, it is illegal for housing societies to pass pet bye laws that disallow pets , not even on a majority vote by the residents of the society. According to article 51 A (g), it is the duty of every citizen to have compassion for animals and any living creature.
No discrimination allowed: A housing society cannot ban pets/dogs on the basis of their breed or size. Even complaints regarding a dog’s barking habits cannot be used to ban the pet.
Use of common facilities: A housing society cannot ban a pet from using common facilities like lifts and parks or impose a fine or special charge for the same.
Cruelty is punishable: Society cannot create dog harassment laws. Any cruelty towards strays is illegal under the ‘Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. It is also a punishable offence under Section 428 and 429 of the Indian penal code.
No ban on feeding: No resident can be barred from feeding stray dogs/cats in the locality.
Protected animals: Certain animals like bears, monkeys, and parakeets cannot be trained or used for entertainment under the ‘Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act’. Most rodents and reptiles are also prohibited under this act.

Role of the management committee

In view of these bye-laws for pets, society must take care not to violate rules for pets in society. Society can however still create and enforce rules and regulations of keeping dogs to ensure the welfare of the pets and the residents. The following pet guidelines can be implemented by society to maintain peace.

Pet rules in housing society

Create time slots: Create time slots when the pets can access gardens, parks, and grounds.
Keep vaccination records: The management committee can ask for vaccination and sterilization records in case issues arise in the future.
Designate defecation spots: Cordon of areas outside the community premises where the pet owners can take their pets. Furthermore, society can advise pet owners to clean up after their dogs inside society as a courtesy
Always accompanied by owners: When out of the house and in the society premises, the apartment association should make sure the pet is accompanied by the owner.
Designate feeding spots: If the residents wish to feed strays, earmark feeding spots that are not close to the residential space or children’s play areas.
Organise and educate: Educate the residents on animals, especially strays. The management committee can also tie-up with Animal Welfare Organisations to take care of the vaccination and sterilization needs of strays. The strays must be released back into the same locality once the vaccination is administered.

Responsibility of pet owners- rules and regulations of keeping a dog in apartment

A responsible pet owner is crucial to peaceful community living. While it is important for the pet owner to be aware of the dog laws that keep them safe, they should also be aware of their responsibilities of keeping a pet as a resident in a community. These suggestions should be kept in mind when using common facilities. The following are the rules for dog owners in India.

Train your pet: Ensure you give your pet ample obedience training, so the dog does behave untowardly in common areas or gets provoked when amidst other residents.
Familiarize your pet: Society is home to many unfamiliar faces. Make sure your pet knows the surroundings he/she resides in and does not harm a stranger or cause a nuisance.
Vaccinate on time: All vaccinations must be administered on a timely basis. For cats, Anti- Rabies and Feligen/TriCat must be renewed every year. Dogs must be vaccinated with Anti-Rabies, DHLPPi, and KC vaccines every year. Medications must be administered in case your pet is suffering from any illness. When your housing society organises vaccination or sterilisation drives for strays, participate and encourage other pet owners to actively take part in the proceedings.
Follow the rules of society: Before renting or buying a place, make it a point to go through society by-laws and advisories. Adhere to them to avoid hassling other residents. If your society has dedicated time slots for your pets to access parks and gardens, make sure you stick to them.
Clean up after: The main concern that most people have is cleanliness, so make sure your pet is toilet trained. It is advisable for pet owners to clean up after their furry pal, if he/she has an accident inside the society premises, even if it is not required by law. It is also advisable to maintain the hygiene of your pet for their own well-being and so no one is inconvenienced. In case, you feed strays make sure there are no leftovers once the strays have had their fill.
Supervise your pet: Even if your pet is well-trained, it is necessary to supervise your pet when in common spaces. Keep your pets on a leash when you take them out for a walk or when they are playing around children to ensure safety. Ensure your pet is not aggressive or hostile towards strays or other animals in the vicinity.
Be a responsible pet owner: Make sure your pets get ample exercise, so they are not excessively energetic. If your pet is alone for long hours, make sure she/he has ample food, water, and toys. Make sure they do not create a nuisance in your absence.

Our animal companions are an inseparable part of our lives. With a cooperative attitude and thoughtful policies on the part of pet owners, other residents, and management committees, we can ensure the welfare of furry friends and the safety of society.

“Sharing is caring”. This old famous saying has been such an integral part of our lives. As children, experiencing the excitement of opening your lunchbox to share with fellow classmates, was a big part of our school days. And as adults, organising a potluck is a great way to socialize. Extending this hand of care to those in need is an act of compassion – one that is an innate human tendency.

IMPORTANT: Just feeding stray dogs is not right. You must also ensure that the stray dog(s) whom you feed are sterilized/neutered and vaccinated once a year against rabies (Anti-Rabies) and other diseases (DHPPi). This helps in effective population control of stray dogs and prevention of rabies. If every person starting contributing their time or money for these efforts soon we won’t have to see the sufferings of stray dogs on the streets. Their population will decrease dramatically and those on the streets will be in good health.

However, very often we don’t extend this compassion to our furry friends, dogs unless they’re domesticated pets. Strays are left to scavenge for anything they can get their paws on; it’s a struggle for survival and they often resort to subsisting on scraps, fighting each other for a share. While they may have a strong resistance to diseases, there are still high chances of strays being injured or being emaciated as only the fittest survive and manage to feed themselves.

When we as dog lovers come together and extend a feeding hand to our furry friends, we can help improve the quality of their lives and eventually alleviate the rising concerns of strays turning aggressive in the search for food.

This guide will help you understand the best practices to be undertaken when feeding stray dogs.

Foods You Should and Shouldn’t Feed to Stray Dogs

Stray dogs will eat anything when hungry, but this leaves them at a higher risk of poor hygiene. If you want to give them a healthier meal, here are some foods you can consider feeding to stray dogs.

Rice, boiled potatoes, vegetable oil/ghee and roti: A staple food for humans is also a great source of nutrition for dogs. A mix of soft-boiled rice mixed with small portions of boiled potatoes and a little bit of vegetable oil or ghee in water is the simplest and most filling meal you can offer stray dogs. For easier digestion, mince the cooked rotis well before serving.

Throwaway meat parts: Your local butcher will provide meat cuts that typically end up on the frying pan, but cuts not normally consumed by humans like chicken feet, goat lungs and other fish parts, get discarded as waste. Next time, you’re at the butcher, consider buying a kilogram of such cuts (and they can be bought for a cheap rate) to feed the stray dogs in your community. Make sure to cook it properly and to only feed this to older dogs, as the pups will still be teething. The cuts can be mixed in the rice and served as a great source of protein. Plus, the dog gets the bone!

Haldi (Turmeric): You can give stray dogs a lip-smacking dining experience by adding pinches of haldi to the rice mixes.

Store-bought dog food: You can also consider canned dog food and packaged meals, which is a good source of food for stray dogs . You can serve this soaked in water or mixed with boiled rice.

Water: The source of life itself for all beings. Make sure to carry plenty of water bottles and bowls with you while on a stray dog feeding drive especially during summers. Try to keep a water bowl outside your society or house gates so that any wandering stray dog, cat or other stray animal can at least get a sip of clean water every day. Ensure you clean and maintain the water bowl daily to avoid moss or menace of mosquitoes due to stagnant water.

Foods that you should completely avoid feeding stray dogs are.

Chocolate: Theobromine is a chemical found in chocolate that, while great for humans, is actually very harmful to dogs. Theobromine can dramatically escalate the blood pressure in the dog’s body, which could result in the failure in the functioning of various vital organs and the nervous system.

Caffeine: Contains similar properties to that of chocolate, so it’s best to keep it out of the reach of dogs.

Dairy products: Most dogs have a digestive system that is not designed to break down the fat associated with dairy products. This renders them lactose intolerant, so avoid feeding milk and cheesy goodies as it could lead to complications such as vomiting and diarrhoea.

Sweetened treats: Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in treats like biscuits, candies and chewing gums. Avoid feeding stray dogs such treats as the xylitol can lead to life-threatening complications such as acute liver disease and blood-clotting disorders.

Onions and garlic: Fast foods may seem like a good option to serve stray dogs as they are really easy to source. However, avoid doing so as such foods could contain mixes of onion and garlic, which when consumed by dogs, can lead to irritation in their stomach, and in severe cases, even result in damage of red blood cells.

Alcohol: This goes without saying. Simply DO NOT feed stray dogs even the smallest quantity of alcohol.

Berries like grapes, cherries and raisins: A natural food that contains the artificial sweetener xylitol. So avoid feeding stray dogs such as berries. If, by accident, the dog has consumed berries, follow these treatment and prevention measures.

Responsible Feeding Practices

A great way to contribute towards feeding stray dogs in India is to take part in dog feeding drives. However, if you are undertaking a solo project, follow these practices to learn how to feed stray dogs and ensure a safe and responsible feeding procedure.

Educate yourself about the rights of stray dogs : Please read through hundreds of articles that we have written about the legal rights of stray dogs in India. Also, read about common medical issues that you may encounter with stray dogs and ways to treat them safely and effectively.

Use biodegradable/disposable cutlery: Since you’ll be carrying huge amounts of food, it’s a good idea to have disposable plates to serve the stray dogs. When the feeding is done, make sure to dispose of the cutlery neatly in the nearest trash can. If you don’t have this, use newspaper pieces and ensure you pick them up in a trash bag once the dogs have eaten and dispersed.

Pick a feeding spot: The survival instincts in stray dogs help them develop a keen sense of understanding where and when to go in order to gain access to food. By picking a safe spot that is fairly away from the daily commute of your neighbourhood, you can ensure a safer and undisturbed feeding routine

Set a feeding time and be consistent: When you start feeding stray dogs in your community, you take up the huge responsibility of making sure these animals are kept in the best of health conditions. Make sure you do not make the stray dog dependent on you for food. So do not overfeed or feed too many times in a day. Stick to a routine and follow it. Stray dogs have to scavenge for their food and the idea of feeding stray dogs is to make them friendly so they are easy to catch for spay/neuter operations, easy to handle when they are sick or injured and also for the yearly anti-rabies vaccination. Set a feeding time, preferably before 7 o’clock in the morning or after 5 o’clock in the evening and make sure you are where you need to be every day. Breaking the routine could be disastrous, as the stray dogs will keep waiting for you not knowing that you won’t be available. Make sure you pair up with a family member or friend for feeding so that if you can’t feed the dog due to work or illness, someone else will be able to manage your responsibility.

Do not pet stray dogs: While you are feeding stray dogs, remember to not treat them like pet dogs. Firstly you won’t take them all home and they may not all get adopted. So for them their life is going to be on the streets and they need to know that it is good to maintain distance from people as not all people like dogs. If you make a dog overly friendly with yourself, the dog may go and jump on an unsuspecting person looking for affection and may end up scaring that person if that person does not like dogs! Inturn the dog can get kicked, beaten, etc. So to avoid such issues, it is best to not pet stray dogs or make them overly friendly like pet dogs. Maintain a good distance from them. Feed them and walk away. Do not whistle for the dogs to come when you bring food! This is a terrible habit that many stray dog feeders have. The dogs associate the whistle to food time and rush from across the road when they hear it. This leads to accidents and deaths. So please leave food for the dogs silently in a designated area. If they are not there, they will surely come due to the smell of the food. Treat stray dogs in a way which makes them confident and smart to survive on the streets. Do not make them dependent on you in any way.

Avoid feeding two packs of stray dogs at once: Dogs can be very territorial in nature, and that especially extends to a pack of stray dogs who tend to settle in a locality they find suitable to rest in. If you are out for a feeding drive, make sure you pick a spot that is very specific to one particular pack of stray dogs. Feeding a pack too close to another one might lead to unwanted aggressive confrontations between the two packs.

Is it safe to feed a stray dog?

Feeding stray dogs is a noble and kind act and it helps keep them from starving, especially if you live in an urban area. You just need to keep a few things in mind like the food you give them should be easy to digest, and that fixed routines should be selected and followed regularly. You also need to make sure that you don’t feed two packs of dogs at once to avoid territorial confrontation. It is also important to follow up with local authorities to ensure that the strays are neutered, spayed and vaccinated in order to control their population and prevent the spread of rabies.

Is feeding stray dogs illegal?

The Constitution of India has a law that protects the rights of dog feeders and punishes anyone who threatens them, under Article 51A(g). No one has the authority to stop you from feeding stray dogs , within or outside your society. However, you need to make sure that the dogs you feed are sterilized and vaccinated within a year to control the spread of diseases and prevent population growth.

Should you feed stray dogs?

You should definitely feed stray dogs. All you need to know is how to feed stray dogs . Firstly, you should prepare simple food like rice, boiled potatoes, steamed vegetables and chapatis. Mix them and offer the food along with a bowl of water. Make sure that you do not pet the dog so as to not make them dependent on you. Be careful of the dogs you are feeding and find out if they have been sterilized and vaccinated or not. Feed them regularly at a fixed time and place to avoid confusion and you are good to go.

Can I feed bread to stray dogs?

You can feed your dog bread once in a while, but it does them no good whatsoever. Bread contains whole grains and carbohydrates, both of which are not easily broken down by the dog’s system. It also leads to weight gain in the dog. The best food for stray dogs is boiled rice and potatoes, steamed vegetables and well-cooked meat leftovers. You can also offer them occasional treats like coconut meat.

Indian Street Dogs and their ‘rights’

Where these street dogs are born is where they belong.

To summarise the content of this page, there is no law that prohibits feeding of street animals, and that citizens who choose to do so are in fact performing a duty cast upon them by the Constitution of India. Persons who are trying to interfere with their effort, or display aggression, can be held liable for having committed the offence described in the Indian Penal Code and criminal intimidation. Moreover, that as per Indian law, street dogs cannot be beaten or driven away. Please remember that the only humane, legal and scientific way of dealing with street dogs is to get them vaccinated and sterilized under Animal Birth Control Programme (ABC) . Under this program, stray dogs are picked up, neutered, vaccinated against rabies and released in the respective areas from where they had been captured, which is in accordance with the Animal Birth Control Rules 2001 framed, under Section 38 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 and as per the orders of Honourable Supreme Court of India.

In its report, Technical Report Series 931, WHO’s Expert Consultation on Rabies, which met in Geneva from 5 to 8 October 2004 , states as follows and endorses that the ABC program constitutes the only effective and humane method of controlling stray dog populations:

“S ince the 1960s, ABC programs coupled with rabies vaccination have been advocated as a method to control urban street male and female dog populations and ultimately human rabies in Asia. The rationale is to reduce the dog population turnover as well as the number of dogs susceptible to rabies and limit aspects of male dog behavior (such as dispersal and fighting) that facilitate the spread of rabies. The culling of dogs during these programs may be counterproductive as sterilized, vaccinated dogs may be destroyed ”

Animal Birth Control Programme comprises of two components:

Sterilization of street dogs, which is the surgical removal of their sex organs (specifically, surgical removal of uterus in case of female dogs and surgical removal of testicles of male dogs) and;
Administration of an Anti Rabies Vaccine, prior to the dogs being released in the same area where they were picked up from.

Advantages of Animal Birth Control Programme are as follows:

ü Sterilization helps calm the dogs down and restricts their numbers.

ü There is scientific thought behind restoring a sterilized dog to his original habitat. Dogs are territorial animals. They mark out their territories based on the food available and they do not let outsiders come in. When these local dogs are removed from their territory, other dogs move in to occupy them. These may not be sterilized so the problem continues for that locality. Dog fights increase as any new dog entering a territory is attacked by the dogs already in that area and non-sterilized dogs continue to mate and produce litters. Rabies continues to spread as none of the dogs in that area are vaccinated against it. The new dogs are hostile to the residents so problems of safety continue. A sterilized and vaccinated dog doesn’t breed, they guard their territory from intruders and new dogs, and they become docile and don’t fight with other dogs during the mating season.

ü Getting dogs sterilized is the best form of welfare we can all do for street dogs, as these dogs will be vaccinated in the process and will not have to give birth to pups anymore, something they can’t otherwise do without human intervention.

ü Only Dogs above the age of 4 months can be picked up for sterilization/

ü The right ear of sterilized dogs is notched/cut at the tip as a mark of identification.

The laws governing Street Dog Sterilization in India

Government of India notified the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 vide the Gazette of India: Extra Ordinary Part II – Sec. 3 – sub section.II dated 24 th December 2001 to implement sterilization and vaccination of street/community dogs to control the dog population.

As per Indian law, street dogs cannot be beaten, killed or driven away or displaced or dislocated, they can only be sterilized in the manner envisaged in the The Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001 enacted under the Indian Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 (A Central Act), vaccinated, and then returned back to their original locations .

Rule 6 and Rule 7 of The Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, state as follows:

Rule 6 clearly envisages that even if the Municipal Corporation thinks it expedient to control street dog populations; IT CANNOT RESORT TO KILLING OR DISLOCATING. It can only sterilize and immunize the dogs, and then leave them at the locations that they had been picked up from.
Rule 7 deals with the procedure to be followed upon receipt of a complaint. Please also note, the Municipality, cannot just pick up dogs, simply because some persons/administrators don’t like their being around. Even the dogs that are complained about can only be sterilized and immunized, and then left back at the locations that they had been picked up from.

Please note there is a specific bar against dislocating dogs , since the same tends to interfere with and jeopardize the area-wise animal birth control. For the area-wise sterilization program mandated by law, dogs have to be returned back to their original habitat after sterilization and immunization. These dogs then tend to fight off other, newer, possibly unsterilized and unvaccinated dogs from entering their territories, since dogs are highly territorial in nature. Dislocation of street dogs has time and again proven to be counter-productive and only favours the entry of other non-sterilized street dogs into the area, which will not only be unknown to you but also to those who tend to the area’s street dogs, thus raising more cases of man-animal conflict.

Ministry of Public Grievances Circular on Street Dogs to Central Govt Employees dated 26.5.2006

The Stray feeding guidelines by the Department of Personnel & Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, New Delhi letter no.F.No.30/9/2006-WELFARE dated 26.5.2006, applicable for:

Treatment of street dogs by government servants : If any Govt. Servant indulges in act of cruelty to animals he will be making himself liable for action under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Besides, punishment under the Act, he would also make himself liable for action under CCS (Conduct) Rules for conduct unbecoming of a Govt. Servant.
Resident Welfare Associations, citizens and others : Stray animals are to be dealt with through designated agencies in Govt./local self-government organizations/ NGO’s etc. Recognised Associations in Govt. colonies may approach such Institutions for redressal of their grievances. All the problems of stray animals have to be handled within the institutional framework available and NO resident association, recognized or unrecognized, shall take recourse to action on their own, either themselves or through any person employed by them like security guards etc .

Moreover, there is no law that prohibits the feeding of street animals. Citizens/animal welfare volunteers who choose to do so are in fact performing a duty cast upon them by the Constitution of India – of showing compassion to all living creatures. Recently, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), a statutory body under Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India has framed exhaustive Guidelines regarding stray dog feeding. These have been placed before and upheld by the High Court of Delhi. The orders passed on 18 th December, 2009, and 4 th February, 2010 by the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi, mandate not only that those street dogs will be fed, but that they will be fed in order to confine them to the localities/areas that they belong to . Confining them to the localities that they belong to facilitates area-wise animal birth control, and yearly/annual vaccination.

The Delhi High Court, vide its rulings in 2009 and 2010 , have also actually ordered the Delhi Police to protect persons who feed and care for street dogs, and who are often exposed to the ire of ill-informed, ill-advised residents/administrators of those areas.

The Delhi High Court in its judgement, pronounced on 18.12.2009 and 4.2.2010, says that “ it is necessary to bring into record that these individuals and families who adopt stray animals are doing a great service to humanity as they are acting in the aid and assistance of Municipal Authorities by providing these animals with food and shelter and also by getting them vaccinated and sterilized. Without assistance of such persons no local Municipal Authority can successfully carry out its ABC programme” .

The Court has proceeded to say that “ the local police and the municipal authorities are under obligation not only to encourage such adoption but also to ensure protection to such persons who come forward to take care of these animals specifically the community or neighbourhood dogs so that they are not subjected to any kind of cruelty”, finally, the Court has said “ that every individual has the right to live his life in the manner he wants and it is necessary that the society and the community recognize it” .

Also remember that under the Indian laws, animal cruelty is an offence – under Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and Section and 429 of the Indian Penal Code – punishable with imprisonment and fine . Likewise, criminal intimidation, and criminally intimidating animal welfare volunteers is a serious offence under the Indian Penal Code (specifically, Section 503 of Indian Penal Code read with Section 506 of the Indian Penal Code 1860 ).

Please also read and download the 26th February 2015 dated Circular issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India to all Resident Welfare Associations and Societies on the lawful manner of dealing with street as well as pet dogs can be accessed by clicking here.

Below image is a scanned copy (newspaper advertisement) of a Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) notification, showing the approach of the M.C.D. with regard to street animals (which is based on the law of the land). This is a 2009 dated advertisement and there have since been changes in the names of NGOs working with the MCD on doing dog sterilization work in Delhi:

Here are some very important laws for street animals in India that people should be aware of.

It is not illegal to feed stray animals.

In spite of the law saying that there is nothing illegal about feeding stray dogs, cases of people being assaulted for feeding stray dogs are not uncommon in India.

It is illegal to poison stray animals

It is a criminal offence to poison street dogs under Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960. But cases like this incident in Kerala where thousands of stray dogs were poisoned are not uncommon in India.

It is illegal to cause harm to stray animals.

According to Sections 428 and 429 of the Indian Penal Code and the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960, it is against the law to cause any sort of injury to any street animal. However, cases of stray animals being intentionally harmed by people are not unheard of on a daily basis.

Government issues IDs to people who feed stray animals.

People who feed strays can get IDs issued by the Animal welfare board of India and yet, they face harassment by others.

It is against the law to relocate stray animals from their territory.

It is illegal to relocate stray animals under Section 11(1) (i) and Section 11(1) (j), PCA Act, 1960. But a recent incident in Gurugram showed us the harrowing case of stray dogs being beaten up and taken away in sacks from their territory.

It is illegal to deliberately starve street dogs or take away their shelter.

Under Section 11(1) (h),PCA Act, 1960, it is illegal to intentionally starve street dogs and take away their shelter. However, a lot of people try to create obstacles for people who feed dogs and try to stop them from doing so.

Capturing them against their will is against the law.

Section 9, Wildlife protection act, 1972 makes it illegal for anyone to capture, incite or bait street animals with the intent of causing harm. Even attempting so is a crime in itself.

Proper documentation is required for the buying/sale of cattle.

Just because there are stray cows/buffaloes out on the road doesn’t mean anyone can claim them with an intention to sell them. Proper documentation proving that you’re an agriculturist is needed in order to sell/buy cattle.

It is illegal to display stray monkeys as means of entertainment.

Monkeys are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act and cannot be displayed or owned even if they’re roaming like strays around the city. Even then, it is a common sight to see madaaris roaming around with monkeys.

EDITED & COMPILED BY-DR UDAY KUMAR, PATNA

REFERENCE-ON REQUEST

Essay Topics about STRAY DOG MENACE

STRAY DOG MENACE

This is one of the threats to men, irrespective of any age. Among the victims, it is mostly the school children who are bitten by dogs. The reason behind it is they (children) were not properly trained as to how they can keep the dog at bay and escape from being bitten by them. Another one is that, the children break into a run on seeing a dog, or some of them tease the dogs. Hence they are easily targeted.

Dog bites can be fatal. Even if one takes vaccination after the bite, it still has the delayed vibrations. It is bound to react after six months, too. Certain foods are to be avoided for a period of one year or so. Be wary of how you should safeguard yourself.

When there is more than one stray dog in the way, wait until some other person comes and walk with him/her.

Do not tease the dog even if you are with your friends.

If happened to walk past a sleeping dog, do not go near it. Maintain a safe distance.

Do not look directly in the eyes of the dog. This might rattle the dog that you are up to some mischief and react. At the same time, keep a watchful eye, out of the corner of your eyes. If it shows sign of coming after you, stand still watchfully.

Never run on seeing the dog. It will provoke it to chase you.

There is always this ego between a stray dog and a lonely walker or a cyclist or a 2 wheeler rider. If chased by a dog, stand still. This would give a feeling of satisfaction to the dog that you have surrendered yourself to it.

While going by cycle, 2 wheeler, if you see one or more dogs standing on the way, ring the bell sound horn just once or twice, without looking directly at them. You will be surprised to see them giving way! Here it is worth mentioning that stray dogs have better psychology than the ones at home.

If you see the puppies with their mother dog, keep away. Thinking that you may harm the young ones, the mother dog will turn violent. Finally, if you go out after dusk by walk or by vehicle, do not wear dark colored dresses. At least wear a white or light colored shirt. A dark moving person is sure to upset the dog.

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COMMENTS

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However, with a nearly 1.5 crore stray dog population (2019 livestock census), and a dubious distinction of being the world's dog-bite-and-rabies-capital, India's 'stray dog menace' has a ...
Stray Dog Menace
30 million stray dogs and eight million people are forced to take treatment for dog bites every year. The stray dog pop-ulation in India is increasing day by day. Regrettably, 30% -60% of the dog-bite victims are children under the age of 15 in countries where rabies is endemic. A study from Bhutan shows children of 5-9 years as the most common ...
Stray dog menace: Implications and management
A study conducted among 10 Indian metro cities investigates the impact of municipal solid waste and animal birth control programme on stray dog population and its menaces. Its results show ...
How stray dog menace is getting out of control in Kerala
The death of a 12-year-old girl bitten by a dog despite taking three shots of the anti-rabies vaccine has led to renewed calls for steps to control the stray population. The menace of stray dogs has been haunting Kerala for long. Its streets are home to an estimated 280,000 strays and their population is growing by about 20 per cent every year.
India Stray Dogs Are a Menace
Stray dogs are ever-present in New Delhi. Enrico Fabian for The New York Times. By Gardiner Harris. Aug. 6, 2012. NEW DELHI — Victims of the surprise attacks limp into one of this city's ...
India's stray dog menace: The big picture
Public Health v/s Animal Rights: India's stray dog dilemma. Reports in recent times have focused on the stray-dog menace in Indian cities. While most of the reports have focused on threat to humans, the Assam Police recently rescued 75 dogs who were being smuggled to Nagaland, to be sold as meat, a measure ironically suggested to remedy stray-dog menace in other states.
Explained: The stray dog menace and what is the solution
A new pet regulation in Noida mandates that if a person is bitten by a pet dog, the owner would be responsible for paying for the victim's medical expenses as well as a fine of Rs 10,000 rupees. Additionally, the government has stipulated that all pet dogs undergo rabies vaccinations.
Stray Dogs: Menace or Social Responsibility
4.7. ( 123) Dogs are always human's best friends no matter what!!! Let stray dogs no longer stray!! "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." ~ Mahatma Gandhi. Stray Dogs are un-owned, free-roaming and shelter-less which live on the streets, parks, around hotels/ restaurants ...
India's stray dog menace: A crisis of proportions
According to official data, with about 290,000 street dogs, the Indian state of Kerala is not even in the list of top 10 Indian states with the most strays. In terms of dog bites, Kerala reported ...
Why Indian Cities Are Struggling to Deal With Stray Dogs
May 31, 2023. On 10 March, two children aged 7 and 5 were reportedly killed by free-ranging ("stray") dogs (FRDs) in a forest close to their slum cluster in the Vasant Kunj area of New Delhi . According to The Hindu, the post-mortem report stated that the victims suffered "multiple canine bites to their neck, head and spine".
Stray dog menace in Kerala comes to centre stage after rise in attacks
The number for Karnataka is 163, Gujarat 132, and Goa 183. When it comes to dog bites per million people, Kerala's number was 1,470 in 2021 as against 2,731 in Tamil Nadu, 2,107 in Goa, and 2,732 in Gujarat. Despite the high dog population, the number for Karnataka is relatively low, at 1,297. The number of actual dog bites in Kerala may ...
Stray dog menace
Stray dog menace: NHRC calls for a civil society debate The National Human Rights Commission has taken cognizance of media reports on the stray dog menace and observed that "prima facie, it is of the view that Human Rights should weigh above animal rights in a situation where human lives are at risk due to attack by animals. However, this calls ...
Stray dog menace: Civic bodies have failed us, say 90% people in a
As many as 61 per cent people believe stray or pet dog attacks are common in their area and 90 per cent feel civic bodies haven't taken effective steps to stem the stray dog menace, says a recent survey. These were some of the revelations made by a recent survey carried out in 303 districts of India. (Representational photo)
Stray Dog Menace: Supreme Court lists the matter for final hearing on
On January 10, 2024 (Wednesday), the two-judge bench of the Supreme Court (SC) of India listed the matter concerning stray dog menace in the country for a final hearing on February 28, 2024. While posting the matter, Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia said "Accordingly, we will hear, and that will serve the purpose. It may go on for two days or three days, whatever it is ...
450 Words essay on Street Dogs
450 Words essay on Street Dogs. Article shared by: The street dogs are a common sight in India. There is no street without a team of such dogs. As soon as a stranger enters a street, they begin to bark. They not only bark at him but pursue him and sometime pounce upon him and actually bite him. There are daily cases of dog bite in every street.
Stray Dogs Menace: India Has a Stray Dogs Problem, But the Dogs Ain't
As of November 2022, the number of infected dogs in Kerala has doubled in the past five years with 168/300 samples (56%) found to be positive for rabies, compared to 32% in a similar study ...
SOLUTIONS & STRAY DOG'S LEGAL RIGHTS IN INDIA
Same is the case with stray dog menace. Apart from rabies majority of stray dogs are infected with parvo infection, mange and distemper which are contagious. 2 Even a small scratch or bite from a stray dog results in the injection of four shots of rabies vaccination on differently scheduled days. Apart from this, several deaths and serious ...
Essay Topics about STRAY DOG MENACE-New Speech Topics
Essay Topics about STRAY DOG MENACE. May 21, 2016 May 12, 2016 by My English Master. STRAY DOG MENACE. This is one of the threats to men, irrespective of any age. Among the victims, it is mostly the school children who are bitten by dogs. The reason behind it is they (children) were not properly trained as to how they can keep the dog at bay ...