Centre asks States to enforce new rules to check stray dog numbers

Source: The post is based on the article “Centre asks States to enforce new rules to check stray dog numbers” published in The Hindu on 20th April 2023

What is the News?

The Union government has notified the Animal Birth Control Rules,2023 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960.

These rules will supersede the Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules,2001.

What are the key provisions of the rules?

The rules put the onus of maintaining and controlling the population of stray dogs on local self-governments (LSGs) and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs).

It prescribes that Animal Birth Control (ABC) programmes for sterilization and immunization of stray dogs are to be carried out by LSGs.

The Rules also suggest euthanasia for incurably ill and mortally wounded dogs as diagnosed by a team appointed by the Local Animal Birth Control Monitoring Committee.

It also suggests the establishment of an Animal Help Centre where complaints about dog or cat bites can be registered.

The rules want the RWAs to designate feed spots for dogs which shall be far from children’s play areas, entry and exit points, staircase or in an area which is likely to be least frequented by children and senior citizens.