The Central Government has notified the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 vide G.S.R 193(E) dated 10th March 2023 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960 and after superseding the Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules, 2001. The Rules have addressed the guidelines of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the Writ Petition No. 691 of 2009 between the Animal Welfare Board of India and the People for Elimination of Stray Troubles. The Hon’ble Supreme Court has in various orders specifically mentioned that the relocation of dogs cannot be permitted.
As per the extant Rules, the Animal Birth Control programme for the sterilization and immunization of stray dogs is to be carried out by the respective local bodies/municipalities/Municipal Corporations and Panchayats. Also, the Cruelty involved in carrying out of ABC programme needs to be addressed. By effective implementation of these Rules, the Animal Birth Control programme can be conducted by the local bodies which will help in reducing the stray dog population and addressing animal welfare issues.
The Municipal Corporations need to implement the ABC and Anti Rabies Program jointly. The Rules also provide guidelines on how to deal with human and stray dog conflicts without relocating the dogs in an area.
One of the requirements under the Rule is that the Animal Birth Control Programme needs to be carried out by an AWBI-recognized organization specifically recognised for the Animal Birth Control programme. The list of such Organizations will be made available on the website of the Board which will also be updated from time to time.
The Central Government has already issued letters to all the State Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries of the Animal Husbandry Department and the Urban Development Department. Therefore, the local bodies are requested to implement the Rules in letter and spirit and not to permit any Organizations to carry out ABC programmes that are not recognized by AWBI and approved for ABC programmes or otherwise elaborated in the Rules.
Disclaimer: This is an official press release by pib.