In response to escalating concerns over dog bites and rabies, the Supreme Court has mandated the removal of all stray dogs from streets within eight weeks, placing them in shelters, thereby prioritizing public safety. However, PETA India argues against this approach, suggesting a need to address the underlying issues rather than a temporary solution. Given the government’s action plan, the question arises: Which countries have successfully dealt with this issue, and what strategies did they employ?
1. Bhutan: As reported, Bhutan, a neighboring country to India, achieved 100% stray dog sterilization in 2023. This was accomplished via the Nationwide Accelerated Dog Population Management and Rabies Control Program initiated in 2021. The sterilization and vaccination program was implemented over approximately 14 years, including various stages. From 2021 to 2023, more than 1.5 lakh stray dogs were sterilized. The program’s budget was around 29 crore rupees.
2. Morocco: Morocco adopted a humane TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) program. This involved capturing stray dogs, sterilizing them, vaccinating them against rabies, tagging them, and returning them to their familiar territories. Over five years, the government invested approximately $23 million (about 190 crore rupees) in this program.
3. Netherlands: The Netherlands is the first European country without stray dogs, a significant shift from their high numbers in the early 19th-20th centuries. Initial government interventions included culling, regulations, and dog taxes. However, to avoid taxes, people began abandoning their pets. By the end of the 20th century, animal abuse was criminalized, resulting in major changes: high taxes on dogs bought from stores, the CNVR program, and the establishment of a pet-police force dedicated to combating abuse and protecting animals.
4. Japan: Japan has strict animal welfare laws. Stray dogs are captured, quarantined, and promoted for adoption. Veterinarians conduct low-cost sterilization programs. Euthanasia is permitted for sick or dangerous dogs. In some areas, like Tokyo, gas chambers are used, which has received criticism due to the potential for suffering.
5. South Korea: To address the rising number of abandoned pets, South Korea launched a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for stray cats, which involves capturing, sterilizing, and then returning them to their known areas.