ISSUE OF STRAY DOGS IN INDIA
ISSUE OF STRAY DOGS IN INDIA
- The population of stray dog in the country is over 35 million while the pet dogs constitute only 10 million of the dog population.
- Dogs reproduce at a high rate contributing to the growing population of such animals.
- A sustained population is yet a big task to achieve in the modern day but some measure can help reduce their numbers.
Stray Dogs and Rabies
According to a report stated in Lok Sabha – The dogs population in India in 2012 was 1.71 Cr while it dropped down to 1.53 Cr in the coming years till 2019.
• Other people suggest that the population is much higher as many go unaccounted during surveys.
• According to WHO, - Global deaths due to rabies – 59,000 per year
- India accounts for 36% global and 65% of Southeast Asia region.
- Approximately 6500 cases of rabies form 2012-2022 have been reported by the National Rabies Control Program (NRCP) out of which 96% are caused by stray dog attacks.
REASONS FOR INCREASING STRAY DOGS IN INDIA
- Lack of ABC Programs – Animal Birth Control programs are devised in order to reduce the population of such targeted animals, end biting and attacks as well as eliminate rabies.
For example – Sterilisation and vaccination of dogs done by the government of Kerala recently.
- Vaccination Programs – Specific programs targeting vaccination of dogs to protect them against diseases like Rabies. The government of Tamil
Nadu has recently focuse on vaccinating around 87000 dogs in Chennai.
- Awareness Drives – To educate people to become responsible pet owners. The government of Delhi has launched a campaign called “Be a Human- Save a life” encouraging people to adopt stray dogs.
- Legal Provisions – The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960, State Municipality Act (SMA) and Animals Birth Control Rules 2001 are some provisions targeting the efficient reduction of dogs population and providing the dogs with good ownership.
WAY FORWARD
- Implementation of new rules of ABC programs, 2023 by municipal bodies should be ensured.
- Encouraging the adoption of Indian breeds will pave way towards better living conditions for such animals.
- Native dogs having better immune should be promoted.
- Encouraging responsible petcare by providing them with adequate food and shelter which can help prevent dogs from becoming strays.
- Sterilisation and Vaccination to be promoted on a large scale by both people and the government.