Lucknow's Animal Birth Control Model Gains National Acclaim from Activists
Animal rights activists have lauded the Lucknow model of Animal Birth Control (ABC) as a groundbreaking approach and are urging all states across India to implement it. This model offers a scientific and humane alternative to managing stray dog populations, aiming to reduce human-dog conflicts without resorting to confining dogs in shelters.
Activists Emphasize Legal Framework and Scientific Basis
During the 'Pinjra Tod' rally held on Sunday, prominent animal welfare activist Gauri Maulekhi highlighted that existing laws provide a clear and effective framework: sterilize, vaccinate, and release stray dogs. She stressed that policy decisions must be grounded in technical facts and on-the-ground realities, rather than being swayed by emotional responses or external pressures.
Another activist, Ambika Shukla, raised concerns about the reliability of current data on stray dog populations. She called for courts and authorities to base their judgments on verified scientific evidence to ensure accurate and fair outcomes in animal welfare cases.
Experts Advocate for Sterilization as a Long-Term Solution
Advocate Pricuval Billimoria reinforced the importance of sterilization, describing it as the only lasting solution to control stray dog numbers. He pointed out that while most areas achieve only about 30% coverage in sterilization efforts, studies recommend reaching at least 70% in the initial round to see a visible and significant impact on population reduction.
Dr. Vivek Biswas added a crucial health perspective, noting that rabies prevention heavily depends on consistent vaccination programs and community preparedness. He emphasized that combining sterilization with vaccination is key to safeguarding both animal and public health.
Positive Outcomes and Official Endorsement
According to officials, field surveys conducted in Lucknow have shown promising results, including a decline in dog bite incidents and fewer stray puppies on the streets. These indicators suggest that the sterilization efforts under the ABC model are effectively making a difference in urban environments.
A dedicated monitoring committee, led by the principal secretary of urban local bodies, reviews the progress of the ABC program every three months to ensure its continued success and adherence to standards. An official revealed that the state presented this model before the Supreme Court, which acknowledged it as an effective strategy for managing stray dog populations humanely.
The Lucknow model stands as a testament to how structured, evidence-based approaches can transform animal welfare practices, offering a replicable blueprint for other regions to follow in fostering safer and more compassionate communities.
