Rajasthan becomes first State to issue guidelines on stray dogs after Supreme Court directive

Rajasthan has become the first State in the country to issue a detailed framework on the management of stray dogs, with the guidelines for civic bodies following a recent directive of the Supreme Court in the matter.

The apex court’s ruling pertained to the control of stray canine population in the National Capital Region.

The Department of Local Self Government has circulated comprehensive instructions to all Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and municipalities, mandating strict adherence to the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023.

According to the guidelines, every ward and locality will have designated feeding zones for stray dogs, while new centres will be established for their sterilisation, vaccination and deworming. The instructions include the action to be taken for capture, treatment and release of dogs. The urban local bodies are required to submit compliance reports within 30 days.

Local Self Government Secretary Ravi Jain said here that the State had set an example for the country by framing structured guidelines which balance public safety with animal welfare. “Threse comprehensive orders will bring the desired results. All municipal bodies have been asked to study the rules in full and ensure strict compliance,” Mr. Jain said.

The guidelines ban the use of tongs, wires or nooses to capture dogs, instead mandating “humane handling” by trained personnel who should either use nets or capture them by hand. Each dog-catching team will include a van driver, two or more trained municipal employees, and a representative of an animal welfare organisation.

Sick or injured dogs can be sterilised only after treatment and recovery. Dogs under six months of age cannot be captured or sterilised, and lactating females with un-weaned puppies cannot be operated upon. Once sterilised, vaccinated and dewormed, dogs will be released back to their original locations, with local feeders informed and included in the process.

Jaipur-based animal rights activist Mariam Abuhaideri said Rajasthan would become a model State for animal birth control and harmonious coexistence with the new framework. “The implementation of these guidelines is going to be important, as it is not an easy task,” Ms. Abuhaideri told The Hindu.

The non-government organisations recognised by the Animal Welfare Board of India will receive ₹200 for catching a stray dog and ₹1,450 for sterilisation, feeding, and post-operative care. A monitoring committee will be formed in every municipal body to review sterilisation, vaccination, and release programmes.

Installation of CCTV cameras has been made mandatory in operation theatres and ABC centres to ensure transparency in medical procedures. Dogs suspected of rabies or repeated biting must be humanely captured and isolated in kennels under veterinary supervision until natural death, stated the guidelines, while making it mandatory to verify the facts in the reported dog-bite cases.