The Supreme Court has issued directives regarding stray dogs, focusing on how to manage those exhibiting aggressive or rabid behavior. The court’s instructions mandate that officials sterilize, deworm, and vaccinate these dogs before returning them to their original locations, with the exception of dogs displaying dangerous tendencies. The methods used to identify rabid dogs in India are prescribed by laws, local rules, and guidelines set by the administration.
The Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules provide a framework for identifying and isolating dogs that are suspected of having rabies. Local authorities have the power to act based on information they have or from complaints received. The process to identify dogs with rabies involves recognizing behavior and physical symptoms. Experts and veterinary professionals receive training to detect indicators like unprovoked aggression, vocal changes, excessive salivation, foaming, staggering, disorientation, jaw problems, or a vacant stare.
**Rabies Testing Procedure**
If a dog displays symptoms of rabies, it must be examined by a special panel. This panel should include a veterinarian appointed by the local administration and a representative from an animal welfare organization. If the panel suspects rabies, the dog must be isolated. The dog will be monitored for about 10 days, and in some cases, the dog will pass away from rabies naturally.
**Supreme Court Directives**
The aggressive dog category was not previously mentioned in the ABC rules. Now, dogs involved in repeated biting incidents or constantly displaying aggression that causes danger may be categorized as such. Truly aggressive dogs are those whose attacks are different from typical dog behavior. The Supreme Court has directed that no individual or organization is permitted to interfere with the work of officials, ensuring that they can carry out their duties without obstruction.