Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023

April 19, 2023

The Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 have been notified by the Central Government on March 10th, 2023, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960. These rules supersede the Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules, 2001 and address the 2009 guidelines of the Supreme Court issued during the hearing between Animal Welfare Board of India and People for Elimination of Stray Troubles. These rules aim to regulate and streamline the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program and address animal welfare issues.

Guidelines for Sterilization and Immunization of Stray Dogs

The Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 lay down guidelines for the sterilization and immunization of stray dogs as a means of population control. The responsibility for carrying out the ABC program lies with the respective local bodies, including municipalities, Municipal Corporations, and Panchayats. These bodies are required to implement the ABC program in collaboration with AWBI recognized organizations specifically recognized for Animal Birth Control programs.

Cruelty Prevention

The Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 emphasize the need to address cruelty involved in the implementation of the ABC program. The rules stress the importance of carrying out sterilization and immunization procedures in a humane manner, without causing any unnecessary harm or suffering to the animals. This includes providing adequate post-operative care, pain management, and ensuring the well-being of the animals during and after the procedures.

Supreme Court Orders

The Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 also take into account the orders of the Supreme Court, which have specifically mentioned that relocation of dogs cannot be permitted. This indicates that the rules prioritize non-lethal methods of population control and discourage the relocation of stray dogs from one area to another as a means of addressing the issue.

Joint Implementation

The 2023 rules highlight the need for Municipal Corporations to jointly implement the ABC program along with the Anti Rabies Program. This underscores the importance of integrating sterilization and immunization efforts with rabies control measures to effectively manage the population of stray dogs and reduce the risk of rabies transmission.

AWBI Recognition

According to the new rules, the Animal Birth Control program needs to be carried out only by AWBI recognized organizations. This ensures that the ABC program is carried out by qualified and experienced organizations to ensure the welfare of the animals.

List of Recognized Organizations

The Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 mandate that the list of AWBI recognized organizations for the ABC program will be made available on the website of the Board and will be updated from time to time. This provides transparency and accountability in the selection of organizations to carry out the ABC program and ensures that only recognized organizations are entrusted with the responsibility.

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