The Central Government of India has recently issued new rules under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, for the sterilization and immunization of stray dogs. The Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules, 2001 have been superseded by the new rules. The Animal Birth Control (ABC) program needs to be carried out by AWBI-recognized organizations and therespectivelocalbodies/municipalities/Municipal Corporations and Panchayats.

Key Highlights of the Rules

The new rules mandate the following:

  • Animal Birth Control program for the sterilization and immunization of stray dogs are to be carried out by the respective local bodies/municipalities/Municipal Corporations and Panchayats.
  • AWBI-recognized organizations must carry out the Animal Birth Control Program.
  • The Municipal Corporations must implement the ABC and Anti Rabies Program jointly.
  • The Cruelty involved in carrying out the ABC program needs to be addressed.
  • The Rules also provide guidelines on how to deal with human and stray dog conflicts without relocating the dogs in an area.
Significance of the Rules

The new rules will help address animal welfare issues by reducing the stray dog population. They also provide guidelines on how to deal with human and stray dog conflicts without relocating the dogs in an area. These rules are also significant as they address new challenges such as cat population management and resolution of conflict.

Stray Dog Issue in India

India has more than 1.5 crore stray dogs. Over the last five years, more than 300 people, mostly children from poor and rural families, have been killed by dogs. Dogs are also responsible for over 20,000 rabies deaths. Therefore, measures like the Animal Birth Control program are crucial for reducing the stray dog population and controlling the spread of diseases like rabies.

Other Steps Taken by the Government

Apart from the new rules, the government has taken other steps to address the issue of stray dogs, such as:

  • Vaccination drives to protect stray dogs against diseases such as rabies. For example, there was a vaccination drive in Chennai in 2020.
  • Collaboration with NGOs like Blue Cross Society in Maharashtra to conduct sterilization and vaccination drives for stray dogs.
  • Awareness campaigns like “Be a Human, Save a Life” by the Delhi government to encourage people to adopt stray dogs and help control their population.
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960
  • The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 is a law that aims to protect animals from pain and suffering caused by humans.
  • It defines “animals” as any living creature other than human beings and different forms of animals.
  • The Act provides punishments for those who cause unnecessary suffering and cruelty towards animals.
  • It discusses different forms of cruelty inflicted on animals, its exceptions, and the process of killing a suffering animal, when cruelty has been imposed, to avoid any further suffering for that animal.
  • The Act also provides guidelines for the use of animals in scientific experimentation and for the exhibition of performing animals.
  • The establishment of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is one of the features specified in the Act.
Why In News

The Central Government of India has recently notified the new Animal Birth Control Rules, which replace the earlier Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules, 2001, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960.

MCQs about New Animal Birth Control Rules in India

  1. What is the Animal Birth Control Rules?
    A. A set of rules for sterilization and immunization of stray dogs
    B. A set of rules for relocation of stray dogs to another area
    C. A set of rules for capturing and killing stray dogs
    D. A set of rules for feeding stray dogs
    Correct Answer: A. A set of rules for sterilization and immunization of stray dogs
    Explanation: The Animal Birth Control Rules, notified by the Central Government, are for the sterilization and immunization of stray dogs, which will be carried out by local bodies/municipalities/Municipal Corporations and Panchayats through AWBI recognized organizations.
  2. How many stray dogs are estimated to be present in India?
    A. 1.5 crore
    B. 2 crore
    C. 50 lakhs
    D. 1 lakh
    Correct Answer: A. 1.5 crore
    Explanation: According to the essay, India has an estimated population of 1.5 crore stray dogs.
  3. What is the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)?
    A. A board established under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960
    B. A board established under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
    C. A board established under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980
    D. A board established under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
    Correct Answer: A. A board established under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960
    Explanation: The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is established under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
  4. What is the objective of the “Be a Human, save a Life” campaign?
    A. To encourage people to adopt stray dogs and help control their population
    B. To encourage people to relocate stray dogs to another area
    C. To encourage people to capture and kill stray dogs
    D. To encourage people to stop feeding stray dogs
    Correct Answer: A. To encourage people to adopt stray dogs and help control their population
    Explanation: The “Be a Human, save a Life” campaign by the Delhi government is aimed at encouraging people to adopt stray dogs and help control their population.

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