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The Supreme Court's recent scrutiny of Delhi's Animal Birth Control (ABC) program has ignited a crucial debate about the effectiveness and underlying principles of managing stray dog populations. While the court questioned the practice of returning sterilized dogs to the streets, the article argues that this is not the reason for the program's shortcomings; rather, it is an integral part of its scientific foundation. The crux of the ABC program lies in the strategic sterilization of dogs, particularly females, to control population growth. Sterilizing a sufficient proportion of the dog population within a specified timeframe, ideally two-thirds within a year, is paramount. Returning sterilized dogs to their original territories plays a vital role in achieving this goal by preventing the influx of unsterilized dogs into vacant areas. If sterilized dogs are not returned, the vacated territories become magnets for unsterilized dogs from neighboring areas, leading to rapid repopulation and undermining the sterilisation efforts. This concept of securing 'unproductive' streets is crucial for the program's spatial progression and overall effectiveness. The court's order highlighted a critical issue: the inadequacy of Delhi's infrastructure to support the ABC program. The city lacks sufficient shelters to house the number of stray dogs required for effective sterilization. The limited capacity, coupled with the fact that most shelters are run by NGOs, raises concerns about the city's ability to meet the court's directive to house thousands of dogs. The article points out that the urgency of the court's order has exposed the gross inadequacy of Delhi's ABC drive. With an estimated street dog population of 8 lakh, the program needs to sterilize approximately 5.5 lakhs dogs annually, translating to 1,800 dogs per day. Considering the post-operative care requirements, Delhi would need the kennel infrastructure to hold 7,200 dogs daily. However, the city's holding capacity is well below 3,000, indicating that the ABC drive is operating at a fraction of its required intensity. The article emphasizes that the ABC program's effectiveness is further compromised by the irresponsibility of dog owners. The absence of a national law mandating pet registration, sterilization, and vaccination contributes to the problem of pet abandonment and uncontrolled breeding. Owners are often not held accountable for their dogs or their pups, leading to a constant influx of unwanted animals onto the streets. Many so-called 'Indian street dogs' are mongrels resulting from crossbreeding between abandoned pets and street strays. The article suggests incentivizing pet registration and sterilization, and levying taxes on breeding pets as potential solutions. The feeding of stray dogs by well-intentioned individuals also contributes to the problem. Feeding makes dogs territorial and aggressive, particularly towards those who do not provide food. The article references a 1973 study that distinguishes between true stray dogs and abandoned pets, noting that the latter are more likely to be aggressive towards people who do not feed them. The practice of returning sterilized dogs is not a flaw of the program, but it is, in fact, a key strategy.
The entire debate surrounding stray dog management and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program is riddled with complexities that require a multifaceted approach. While the Supreme Court's intervention sought to address the concerns of citizens affected by aggressive dog packs, the simplistic solution of removing sterilized dogs from the streets overlooks the scientific basis of the ABC program. The fundamental principle of the ABC program lies in the concept of achieving population stability through sterilization, primarily targeting female dogs to reduce the reproductive capacity of the population. The rationale for returning sterilized dogs to their original territories stems from the need to maintain 'unproductive occupation' of these spaces. This prevents unsterilized dogs from neighboring areas from migrating in and establishing themselves, thereby undermining the sterilization efforts. The effectiveness of the ABC program hinges on achieving a high rate of sterilization within a defined timeframe, ideally sterilizing at least two-thirds of the population within a year. Without this critical mass of sterilized dogs, the population continues to grow, rendering the ABC program ineffective. The challenge lies not in the return of sterilized dogs, but in the consistent and widespread implementation of the ABC program. One of the major impediments to the success of the ABC program in Delhi is the lack of adequate infrastructure, particularly the limited number of shelters to house the dogs during sterilization and post-operative care. The city's existing shelters, mostly run by NGOs, have a combined capacity far below the required number to effectively manage the stray dog population. The court's order to pick up 5-6,000 dogs from vulnerable areas in the next six to eight weeks has highlighted the stark reality of the city's inadequate resources. The housing of thousands of unrelated dogs together raises concerns about stress, anxiety, and aggression among the animals. Standard housing protocols with individual cages and physical barriers are essential, but these protocols do not fully address the social needs of dogs, which are inherently pack animals. In addition to the infrastructure challenges, the ABC program is further undermined by the lack of responsibility among pet owners. The absence of a national law mandating pet registration, sterilization, and vaccination contributes to the problem of pet abandonment and uncontrolled breeding. Unaccountable pet owners often abandon unwanted dogs or allow them to roam freely, leading to crossbreeding with street strays. The article suggests incentivizing pet registration and sterilization, and levying taxes on breeding pets as potential solutions. However, these measures require strong enforcement to be effective.
The complex issue of stray dog management extends beyond the scientific principles of the ABC program and the practical challenges of its implementation. It also involves societal attitudes, cultural practices, and ethical considerations. The feeding of stray dogs by well-intentioned individuals, while seemingly compassionate, can inadvertently contribute to the problem of dog aggression and territoriality. By feeding dogs on the streets, individuals create artificial food sources that concentrate dog populations and alter their natural behavior. Dogs become more territorial and aggressive towards strangers who may not be part of their established feeding group. This practice has also been observed with monkeys in many parts of India, where artificial feeding has led to an increase in aggressive behavior and human-wildlife conflict. The article references a 1973 study that highlights the difference between true stray dogs and abandoned pets. Abandoned pets are more likely to be aggressive towards people who do not feed them, as they are accustomed to human interaction and dependency. True stray dogs, on the other hand, tend to be more cautious and active at night, avoiding human contact. To address the issue of stray dog aggression, it is essential to educate the public about responsible dog ownership, the importance of sterilization, and the potential consequences of feeding stray dogs. The solution requires a comprehensive approach that involves government agencies, NGOs, animal welfare organizations, and the general public. The focus should be on creating a sustainable and humane system for managing stray dog populations that prioritizes animal welfare and public safety. This includes implementing effective ABC programs, providing adequate shelter and care for stray dogs, promoting responsible pet ownership, and educating the public about the importance of coexisting peacefully with animals. The Supreme Court's intervention in the Delhi ABC program has served as a wake-up call for the authorities to address the long-standing issues of stray dog management. While the court's initial concerns about returning sterilized dogs to the streets were misplaced, the intervention has highlighted the critical need for improved infrastructure, stricter enforcement of pet ownership laws, and greater public awareness about responsible animal care. Ultimately, the success of any stray dog management program depends on the collective efforts of all stakeholders to create a more humane and sustainable environment for both humans and animals.
Source: Why returning sterilised dogs to streets is key to ABC’s success