TFP Bureau, New Delhi, August 19, 2025 – The Union Government has stepped up its measures to address the growing problem of stray dogs across the country by strengthening the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme and revising its scheme for sterilisation and vaccination. The announcement was made by Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today.
The government underlined that the management of stray dogs primarily falls under the jurisdiction of State Governments and local bodies. However, to ensure humane and effective dog population control, the Centre has framed the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. These rules are in line with global standards of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and follow the Capture–Neuter–Vaccinate–Release (CNVR) method.
Local Bodies Directed to Step Up Sterilisation Efforts
The Cabinet has stressed that Urban Local Bodies are the key implementing agencies for sterilisation and vaccination drives, working in collaboration with recognised animal welfare organisations. On November 11, 2024, the Secretary of Animal Husbandry and Dairying issued an advisory to all State Chief Secretaries, urging intensified sterilisation drives. This was further reinforced in July 2025 through a joint advisory by the Departments of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Housing and Urban Affairs, and Panchayati Raj.
The advisory made it clear that sterilisation is central to stray dog population management and urged local bodies to establish ABC units and ensure that at least 70% of stray dogs in their jurisdiction are sterilised. The move is expected to bring down the population in a humane way while reducing cases of dog bites and rabies.
Revised ABC Scheme: Higher Financial Aid and Infrastructure Boost
The Central Government has revised the existing scheme for Birth Control and Immunisation of stray dogs and cats, being implemented through the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) from the current financial year.
Key features of the revised scheme include:
- Financial support: Assistance of up to ₹800 per dog and ₹600 per cat for sterilisation programmes carried out by State Animal Welfare Boards, local bodies, and recognised organisations.
- Infrastructure grants: A one-time grant of ₹2 crore for State-run veterinary hospitals to set up facilities like surgical theatres, kennels, and recovery units.
- Shelter support: Grants of up to ₹15 lakh for establishing small animal shelters and ₹27 lakh for large shelters to Urban Local Bodies, SPCAs, and recognised Animal Welfare Organisations.
The AWBI has also issued multiple advisories and circulars to streamline the implementation of these rules, including guidance for Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Apartment Owners’ Associations (AOAs), and committees to monitor compliance.
Rabies Control and Public Health Measures
The government also highlighted its parallel efforts to eliminate rabies through coordinated programmes. Under the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP), States are being supported for procurement of anti-rabies vaccines. In addition, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is implementing the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP) under the National Action Plan for Dog-Mediated Rabies Elimination (NAPRE), launched in 2021. The programme seeks to achieve rabies elimination through mass vaccination of dogs, improved surveillance, and public awareness campaigns.
Growing Urgency to Address Stray Dog Issue
India has witnessed a surge in stray dog-related complaints, with rising cases of dog bites and concerns over public safety. Experts and welfare bodies argue that only a sustained and large-scale sterilisation and vaccination effort can strike a balance between public health and animal rights. The revised ABC scheme, backed with higher financial and infrastructure support, is seen as a crucial step in this direction.
Officials said the combined measures—spanning sterilisation, vaccination, infrastructure development, and rabies control—are aimed at reducing man-dog conflict while ensuring the welfare of community animals. With the Centre’s renewed push and stricter implementation by local bodies, the government hopes to bring visible results in the coming years.
