Stary Dogs: Central government in action after the Supreme Court's decision, now takes this big step for stray dogs

Modi Government On Stary Dogs : The central government came into action after the Supreme Court's order on the problem of stray dogs. The government has made it mandatory for states and union territories to sterilize 70% of dogs and give them anti-rabies vaccination. If this is not done, the states will be held accountable. The central government will give a grant of Rs 800 per dog for sterilization and vaccination.

After the recent order of the Supreme Court on the problem of stray dogs, the central government has also come into action. Now it has been made mandatory for the states and union territories to sterilize and vaccinate at least 70 percent of the dogs.

Earlier, the role of the Centre was limited to suggestions only; now, by making it mandatory, the accountability of the states has been fixed. Every state will have to send its progress report every month so that the action does not remain confined to papers only.

Urgent details were also sought

The Supreme Court has clearly said that after sterilization and vaccination, dogs should be left at their original place. In accordance with this instruction, the Center has also changed its policy. The Animal Husbandry Ministry has written a letter to the Chief Secretaries of all the states and union territories and said that if any state lags behind, then its accountability will be fixed. The seriousness of the Center can be gauged from the fact that confirmation of receipt of the letter and details of immediate steps have also been sought.

The Centre gave the states the resources as well as the targets

• A subsidy of Rs 800 per dog and Rs 600 per cat will be arranged for sterilisation and vaccination.
• Separate funds will be provided for creating feeding zones, rabies control units, and upgrading shelters in big cities.
• Small shelters will get assistance up to Rs 15 lakh, and large shelters will get up to Rs 27 lakh.
• A one-time grant of Rs 2 crore will be given for animal hospitals and shelters.

Sterilization and vaccination work

In a letter to the states, the Centre has asked them to adopt the revised animal birth control model as a standard operating procedure. There is a special emphasis on setting up food areas, 24-hour helplines, and rabies control units in big cities so that sterilisation and vaccination work can continue uninterrupted. This will curb uncontrolled breeding and bring about a substantial improvement in civil security.

Participation of ASHA workers is also necessary

To implement the scheme, the participation of local NGOs and ASHA workers is also considered necessary. With their help, the work of identification, humane capture, treatment, vaccination, and rehabilitation of dogs will be accelerated at the mohalla level. Community participation will also reduce disputes and improve monitoring.

Not just numbers, but diseases are also a matter of concern

The Centre believes that the challenge is not just the increasing number of dogs but also the diseases that spread among people due to their bites. Rabies is fatal; hence, vaccination is necessary. Therefore, the states have been directed to send detailed monthly reports to the Animal Welfare Board. It will be decided on the basis of these reports how seriously each state followed the rules and the court's directions.

PC:Jagran