Delhi govt issues new guidelines to control stray dog population days after SC order

The Delhi Urban Development Department has published instructions to manage the street dog population, to walk the rabies and to reduce the conflict of human-dogs in the city following the directives of the Supreme Court. “Within the scope of the new framework, the responsibility of the implementation of the program belongs to MCD, NDMC and DCB. Currently, MCD is running 20 ABC center through NGOs to sterilize and overcome MCD street dogs.”

What are the new instructions?

1. The guidelines state that local authorities should only participate in animal welfare organizations (AWOS) recognized by AWBI.
2. Veterinarians, operators and para-veterinarian personnel of these organizations are required to receive training at the ABC Training Center, which is operated jointly by AWBI.
3. No programs related to the management of street dog without a suitable certificate from the Board are allowed.
4. The infrastructure in each center should include adequate huts, power backup business theaters, specially modified transport trucks and facilities to ensure safely disposal of wastes.
5. The centers must have CCTV scope in the operation and records should be protected for at least 30 days.
6. Guides, sterilization, vaccination, nutrition and detailed records of medical care should be protected.
7. The guidelines also stated that sterilization and vaccination costs should be paid back to the participant AWOS based on appropriate verification.
8. In order to evaluate the progress of the program and investigate complaints, a local ABC monitoring committee should be established according to the rules to be collected on a monthly basis.
9. Monthly reports should be submitted to the committee and annual reports shared with AWBI every year until 31 May.
10. It is clear that no street dog should not be transported or killed.

Nutrition points for dogs

1. Local authorities are expected to identify the appropriate places to feed the soil dogs with RWAS and their inhabitants, and take into account the soil nature and the safety of children and the elderly.
2. Cleaning at the feeding points should be maintained and food should be discarded properly.
3. Signs should clearly mark the feeding places and nutrition is prohibited on other sites. Legal action can be taken against those who block responsible nutrition activities.

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Dog records

1. Pet owners must record their dogs when they are three months old.
2. Registration should be renewed annually and linked to rabies vaccine records.
3. Dogs from Indian breeds are exempt from registration fees and their sterilization and first vaccination will be provided free of charge in the specified centers.