Bengaluru Considers Target-Based Stray Dog Control
Civic bodies in Bengaluru are considering stricter, target-based surgeries to improve the effectiveness of the city's Animal Birth Control (ABC) program. The proposed change is intended to better manage the stray dog population by introducing greater accountability into the sterilization process.
- A 2023 census estimated the stray dog population in Bengaluru at 279,335, a 10% decrease from the 310,000 estimated in 2019. This reduction is attributed to the ongoing Animal Birth Control (ABC) program. - The same 2023 census revealed that the sterilization rate for stray dogs has increased to 71.8% from 51.2% in 2019. Despite this progress, sterilization rates vary significantly across different zones of the city, with some areas like Mahadevapura lagging. - To enhance transparency and accountability in the ABC program, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is preparing to launch a new mobile application called 'Shwana'. This app will record every sterilization and vaccination procedure with photos, making the data instantly accessible to officials for monitoring. - In addition to the app, a pilot program for microchipping stray dogs was initiated to create a permanent record of each dog's location, vaccination, and sterilization history. This is intended to prevent duplicate vaccinations, a problem with the current temporary marking system. - The Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, which were updated in March 2023, form the legal framework for these programs and mandate a "Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release" protocol. These rules also hold local authorities responsible for implementing the program and outline a process for addressing human-canine conflicts. - The move toward stricter measures follows a recent Supreme Court directive that instructed all states to remove stray dogs from sensitive public areas like schools and hospitals and relocate them to shelters after sterilization and vaccination. - Animal welfare organizations have raised concerns about the implementation of these directives, arguing that holding a large number of dogs in already full ABC centers disrupts routine sterilization work. They advocate for a consistent and humane implementation of the existing ABC rules across all zones. - Alongside sterilization efforts, the BBMP has also initiated other programs, such as a controversial ₹2.88 crore scheme to provide daily meals to thousands of stray dogs in specific zones to reduce aggression related to hunger.
