Central Govt Notifies Animal Birth Control Rules 2023

New Delhi: The Central government today notified the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. The rules have addressed the Supreme Court guidelines in a writ petition between the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and the People for Elimination of Stray Troubles. The apex court has in various orders specifically mentioned that relocation of dogs cannot be permitted.

As per the Rules, the Animal Birth Control programme for sterilization and immunization of stray dogs is to be carried out by local bodies, municipalities, municipal corporations and panchayats. By effective implementation of the rules, the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme can be conducted by the local bodies which will help in reducing the stray dog population and addressing animal welfare issues.

The municipal corporations need to implement the ABC and Anti Rabies Program jointly. The rules also provide guidelines on how to deal with human and stray dog conflicts without relocating dogs in an area. One of the requirements under the rules is that the ABC Programme needs to be carried out by AWBI-recognized organizations specifically recognized for the said programme.

The list of such organizations will be made available on the website of the AWBI which will also be updated from time to time. The Central Government has already issued letters to all State Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries of the Animal Husbandry Department and Urban Development Department.