Street Dogs in India: A Legal and Social Perspective
Over the past decade, street dogs in India have become a legal and social issue, caught between compassion and practical concerns.
Legal Involvement
- The Indian Supreme Court has taken an unusual step by getting involved in issues relating to street dogs.
- A suo motu case was picked up by the Supreme Court based on an unverified newspaper report, ordering the confinement of all street dogs in pounds.
- Executing such an order would require huge expenditures, making it impractical.
- The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 assigns the Animal Welfare Board (AWB) the responsibility for managing animal welfare, rather than the judiciary.
- The Supreme Court should guide the AWB to revise guidelines, balancing human needs and constitutional duties of compassion.
Existing Protocols and Their Importance
- The Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules advocate for the Capture-Sterilise-Vaccinate-Release (CSVR) approach, aligning with WHO and WOAH recommendations.
- Removal of dogs without sterilization only creates 'vacuum zones,' attracting more stray dogs.
- Countries like France and the Netherlands have successfully managed stray populations through scientific approaches, registration, and public education.
Ground Realities
- Dog pounds often lack resources and medical facilities, becoming places of suffering rather than safety for dogs.
- Dogs that bite are often hungry or provoked; when fed and neutered, they become non-aggressive.
- Community involvement is significant, with many feeding and caring for street dogs.
- Street dogs act as guards and provide companionship, especially among poor and lower-middle-class communities.
Conclusion
The management of street dogs requires rational and humane approaches, focusing on existing scientific methods rather than impractical legal interventions. Compassion, education, and cooperation between authorities and communities are key to successful stray dog management.
