Gujarat's Comprehensive Strategy to Tackle Stray Dog Menace
In a significant move to address the growing issue of stray dogs, the Gujarat government has initiated a robust plan under the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. This initiative involves the establishment of dog sterilisation centres across every municipal corporation, municipality, and municipal council in the state, backed by a substantial budget of ₹70 crore.
Formation of Review Committee for Effective Implementation
The Urban Development and Urban Housing Department constituted an eight-member review committee in January this year to oversee the effective implementation of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. The committee held its first meeting on January 30, marking a proactive step towards managing stray animal populations in urban areas.
Government Resolution Highlights: A Government Resolution issued on January 9 states that the committee is tasked with reviewing the implementation of guidelines and rules concerning stray animals, particularly dogs, in municipal corporations and municipalities. This aligns with Supreme Court guidelines on stray dogs, as noted by Komal Bhatt, joint secretary of the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department.
Current Sterilisation Infrastructure and Expansion Plans
Currently, Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres for stray dogs are operational in only eight municipal corporations: two each in Ahmedabad and Vadodara, and one each in Surat, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Junagadh, and Gandhinagar. These centres, run with the assistance of animal welfare NGOs, focus on catching, surgery, and post-operative care under the ABC rules.
Expansion to Cover Entire State: The new plan aims to expand this infrastructure significantly. Initially, 33 sterilisation centres will be developed, including the existing eight and nine additional ones. This expansion will cover all municipal corporations, including newly created ones, as well as 18 nagarpalikas and districts, such as the recently formed Vav-Tharad district. Gradually, more centres will be added, increasing from one to two in various areas to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Budget and Scope of Work
The proposed budget of ₹70 crore under the ABC programme will support infrastructure development, including the construction of sterilisation centres, seizure of stray dogs, and daily maintenance expenses for seized animals at these centres. The review committee's scope of work focuses on these three key areas to ensure efficient implementation.
Komal Bhatt emphasized that this statewide coverage with sterilisation centres will help control stray dog numbers effectively, in line with national guidelines and court directives.
Expected Outcomes and Reporting
The review committee has been directed to submit a report within two months, suggesting recommendations for the effective implementation of the Urban Housing Department's guidelines and the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. This report is anticipated to provide actionable insights for scaling up the initiative and addressing challenges in stray dog management.
This comprehensive approach by the Gujarat government underscores a commitment to public health and animal welfare, aiming to create safer urban environments through systematic population control of stray dogs.
