After Supreme Court verdict, Centre issues ultimatum to states on stray dog issue

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu)- After the recent order of the Supreme Court, the Central Government has issued orders to all the states on the problem of stray dogs. It has been made mandatory for all the states to sterilize at least 70 percent of the dogs and give them anti-rabies vaccination.

Issuing an order in the government, it was said that every state will have to send its progress report every month, so that the action is not confined to paper only. The Animal Husbandry Ministry has written a letter to the Chief Secretaries of all the states and union territories and said that if any state lags behind, its accountability will be fixed. The Supreme Court has clearly said that after sterilization and vaccination, dogs should be left at their original place. In accordance with this instruction, the Center has also changed its policy. In a letter written to the states, the Center has asked to adopt the revised animal birth control model as a standard operating procedure. There is a special emphasis on the establishment of food areas, 24-hour helplines and rabies control units in big cities, so that the work of sterilization and vaccination continues without interruption. This will curb uncontrolled breeding and bring about a solid improvement in civil security. The participation of local voluntary organizations and ASHA workers has also been considered necessary to implement the scheme on the ground. With their help, the work of identification, humane capture, treatment, vaccination and rehabilitation of dogs will be accelerated at the mohalla level. Community participation will also reduce disputes and improve monitoring.

– A grant of Rs 800 per dog and Rs 600 per cat will be arranged for sterilization and vaccination.

– Separate funds will be provided for creating feeding zones, rabies control units and upgrading shelters in big cities.

– Small shelters will get assistance of Rs 15 lakh and big shelters will get up to Rs 27 lakh.

– A one-time grant of Rs 2 crore will be given for animal hospitals and shelters.