Tackling the human-dog conflict

Source- The post is based on the article “Tackling the human-dog conflict” published in “The Hindu” on 8th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Government policies and interventions. GS3- Environment

Relevance– Issues related to street dogs

News- Over the past few decades, the growing population of street dogs has posed increasing challenges for municipalities and cities across the country.

The Prevention of Cruelty (Animal Birth Control) Rules 2023 rules that have been designed to address emerging challenges.

What are the alternatives to ABC?

First, there is culling. But, it is a cruel solution. Past such practices show that the dog population has bounced back time and again.

Second is Confinement in pounds or shelters. But they are economically unviable and unsustainable.

The room freed up on our streets because of round-ups and culling will be filled by dogs. It is because of abandonment, free-roaming and breeding pets and street dogs. This is no kind of solution.

How 2023 rules on ABC address the resolve that shortcoming in earlier rules?

ABC programmes are now being streamlined. The burden of its implementation will fall on the ABC monitoring committees at the State, district and municipality levels.

The rules require updated infrastructure investments for the capture, housing, surgery and release of dogs. It requires specific processes to be recorded such as keeping and reporting.

It focuses on procedures for responding to conflict situations. It requires the engagement of organisations to ensure that the standards of ABC are high.

It calls for differentiation of street dogs from pet dogs to improve data collection and analysis.

What is the way forward to tackle the menace of street dogs?

A scientific approach is required to tackle the street dog conflict and population issue.

Social marketing and human behaviour change demands our attention too. Instead of attacking each other, there is a need for shared expertise and commitment to resolve complex societal problems.

If there is no research on the benefits of ABC on dogs, we must put our money into it. If there are poor ABC programmes, organisations must take ownership and improve their standards through training.