The central government has once again raised serious concerns regarding the manner in which stray dog vaccination and sterilization drives are being carried out across several states. According to officials, violations of prescribed norms and poor implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme have been flagged multiple times, but lapses continue to persist.
The Animal Birth Control programme is designed to control the stray dog population through sterilization and vaccination. These measures aim to ensure public safety by preventing uncontrolled breeding and reducing the risk of rabies transmission. However, reports suggest that in many states, the guidelines are not being properly followed, resulting in both ineffective population management and growing public health risks.
Central authorities have pointed out that in several areas, vaccination of stray dogs has been carried out without maintaining proper records or ensuring booster doses. In some cases, sterilization drives have been conducted without meeting the minimum standards of veterinary care, raising questions about animal welfare and the effectiveness of the programme. Furthermore, lack of coordination between local bodies and animal welfare organizations has added to the challenges.
The Centre has stressed that failure to implement these measures effectively not only affects human safety but also undermines efforts to promote humane treatment of animals. Rabies continues to be a major public health concern in India, with thousands of cases reported annually. Proper vaccination of stray dogs is considered one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the disease.
In its communication with state governments and municipal bodies, the central government has urged strict adherence to the guidelines outlined by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). These guidelines mandate scientific sterilization methods, timely vaccinations, and transparent reporting of data related to the ABC programme. Authorities have also been advised to increase funding, build veterinary infrastructure, and involve trained professionals to ensure the success of these initiatives.
Animal rights groups and public health experts have welcomed the Centre’s intervention, noting that the issue has been ignored for too long. They emphasize that effective implementation of the ABC programme is essential not only for controlling the stray dog population but also for reducing the threat of rabies and other zoonotic diseases. At the same time, they stress the need for public awareness campaigns to encourage community participation in vaccination and sterilization drives.
Several states, however, continue to face challenges such as inadequate resources, shortage of trained veterinary staff, and lack of proper monitoring systems. Experts argue that unless these systemic gaps are addressed, violations and poor implementation will persist, undermining the goals of the programme.
The Centre’s repeated warnings highlight the urgency of the issue. As India works toward strengthening its public health framework, effective control of stray dog populations through vaccination and sterilization remains a critical task. Ensuring compliance with ABC programme norms is expected to play a key role in safeguarding both human and animal welfare in the years to come.
