The Aman Sandesh Times
Mohali : Due to the slow pace of implementation of the animal birth control programme for stray dogs in the city, their population has doubled in the last five years posing a threat to citizens. These Cows that were earlier found in large numbers near meat stalls, garbage dumps, and in residential areas. Nowadays they are seen across the city and in public places in large mumbers. Citizens wanted the programme to be expedited by increasing the number of doctors, and extending the facilities at the post operative centre. Residents claim that they have been spotting stray puppies in the area. “It is concerning. Some dogs chased children on their way to school. We are terrified after hearing incidents of dog bites and attacks in the city.” residents said As stray dog attacks increase, the Centre has decided to reach out to the States, local self-governments (LSGs) and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) on implementing the new set of Animal Birth Control Rules prepared by the Ministry of Animal Husbandry recently. Notified on March 10 last year, the Rules put the onus of maintaining and controlling the population of stray dogs on LSGs and RWAs. Talking to sources Secretary of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), S.K. Dutta, said the Rules of 2001, based on the Prevention of Cruelties to Animals Act, 1960, were amended to “adopt humane procedures for controlling stray animal population through open methods of surgeries and operations. The decision is also based on several Supreme Court judgements, Dr. Dutta said. “Local bodies were not following the 2001 Rules. We got Chief Secretaries and State government a number of complaints on cruelty to animals and other malpractices. After reviewing these Rules, the Ministry, in consultation with AWBI, revised these Rules and notified it on March 10, 2023,” he said. The Ministry has requested all departments to ensure proper implementation of these new rules. Sources added that nature of the dogs should be considered while dealing with complaints about man-animal conflict. “No court allows relocation of dogs. Dog is a territorial animal. They cannot be kept in closed confinement and they will be more furious if we do so. Animal welfare activists who go for feeding dogs face harassment at some places. So, we have framed a set of actions to be followed by RWAs and LSGs. It is elaborated in the new set of rules, “he said. The new Rules prescribe that Animal Birth Control (ABC) programmes for sterilisation and immunisation of stray dogs are to be carried out by LSGs. The Ministry is also concerned about complaints of cruelty involved in carrying out ABC programmes. “By effective implementation of these Rules, ABC can be conducted by local bodies which will help in reducing stray dog population while addressing animal welfare issues. This is for birth control as well as maintenance of stray animals. The Rules want the RWAs to designate feed spots for dogs which shall be far from children play areas, entry and exit points, staircase or in an area which is likely to be least frequented by children and senior citizens. Dr. Dutta said if garbage is managed at the source, stray animals can also be managed.
But Who Cares???
