Monitoring body, awareness camps & more on Delhi govt's new rules for stray dog management; check list

The Delhi government has introduced a detailed roadmap to manage the city’s street dog population, curb rabies, and minimize human-animal conflicts, following directions from the Supreme Court.

The new framework, released on Monday, has been shared with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and Delhi Cantonment Board (DCB).

Framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, and Supreme Court orders, the guidelines also incorporate the updated Animal Birth Control (ABC) Module from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). The aim is to create a structured, humane, and effective system for sterilising, vaccinating, and caring for street dogs while keeping public safety in focus.

How the programme will work


The responsibility for executing the initiative lies with MCD, NDMC, and DCB. Currently, MCD operates 20 ABC centres with support from AWBI-approved NGOs to carry out sterilisation and vaccination. Only AWOs certified by AWBI can be involved, and all veterinarians, handlers, and para-veterinary staff must undergo formal training at the ABC Training Centre.

Each centre is required to have proper infrastructure, including kennels, fully equipped operating theatres with backup power, customised transport vehicles, and waste disposal facilities.

CCTV must monitor kennel areas, with recordings preserved for at least 30 days. Records of sterilisation, vaccination, feeding, and medical treatment must be meticulously maintained. NGOs will be reimbursed for verified expenses.

A Local ABC Monitoring Committee will meet monthly to review the programme’s progress and address complaints, while annual reports will be submitted to the AWBI. Humane treatment is mandatory: no street dog should be killed or relocated.

Feeding spots must be designated in consultation with residents and RWAs, with clear signage, cleanliness standards, and proper disposal of leftovers. High-performing RWAs will be recognised and rewarded for setting up safe and convenient feeding zones.

Pet registration & public engagement

Pet owners are required to register dogs older than three months, with annual renewal linked to rabies vaccination records. Indian breed dogs enjoy exemptions from registration fees, and their sterilisation and first vaccination will be free at designated centres.

Owners must provide details including breed, gender, and vaccination history.

For aggressive or rabid animals, the guidelines call for safe capture, observation, and scientific disposal of rabid dogs. Aggressive dogs can be housed in AWBI-recognised shelters. Dogs with normal temperament are to be sterilised, vaccinated, and returned to their original location.

The government also plans to promote awareness campaigns in schools, through NGOs, and among animal caregivers, educating the public on dog behaviour, responsible feeding, and vaccination programs to ensure both human and animal safety.

Guidelines in a nutshell

• MCD, NDMC, and DCB are responsible for implementing the programme.
  
• MCD currently operates 20 ABC centres with NGOs for sterilisation and vaccination.
  
• Only AWBI-certified Animal Welfare Organisations (AWOs) can participate.
  
• Veterinarians, handlers, and para-veterinary staff must undergo training at the AWBI’s ABC Training Centre.
  
• Each centre must have adequate kennels, operating theatres with power backup, specially modified transport vans, and proper waste disposal facilities.
  
• CCTV coverage must be maintained in kennel areas, with recordings kept for at least 30 days.
  
• Detailed records of sterilisation, vaccination, feeding, and medical care are mandatory.
  
• Expenses for sterilisation and vaccination will be reimbursed to AWOs after verification.
  
• A Local ABC Monitoring Committee will meet monthly to review progress and complaints, and annual reports must be submitted to the AWBI by 31 May.
  
• No street dog should be killed or relocated; humane standards must be strictly followed.
  
• Feeding spots should be identified in consultation with RWAs and residents, keeping in mind dog territory and safety of children and senior citizens.
  
• Cleanliness at feeding points must be maintained, leftover food disposed of properly, and feeding elsewhere prohibited.
  
• RWAs maintaining safe and convenient feeding zones will be recognised and rewarded.
  
• Public awareness campaigns will be run with schools, NGOs, and animal caregivers to educate people about dog behaviour, feeding practices, and vaccination programmes.
  
• Pet owners must register dogs over three months old, link vaccination records, and provide breed, gender, and vaccination history. Indian breed dogs are exempt from registration fees and receive free sterilisation and first vaccination.
  
• Aggressive or rabid dogs must be captured safely, isolated if rabid, and housed in AWBI-recognised shelters.
  
• Dogs of normal temperament will be sterilised, vaccinated, and returned to their original locations.
  
  

(With PTI inputs)