IPAN: Animal Birth Control

Animal Welfare means Human Welfare

Project summary

Text Box: Did you know that... Dog destruction alone is not effective in rabies control. There is no evidence that removal of dogs alone has ever had a significant impact on dog population densities or the spread of rabies anywhere in the world.

The stray dog problem is common all over India . The control of an ever-increasing stray dog population in any area is an important environmental issue. In the past, municipalities all over India have used indiscriminate destruction of stray dogs as an attempt to control the spread of rabies as well as stray dog numbers. In addition to being illegal, (Cruelty to Animals Act 1960) and considerably cruel it has also proved ineffective.

The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) advocates the use of a large scale "Sterilization-cum-Immunization" Program as an effective and humane alternative to control the stray dog population.

By spaying/neutering stray dogs and vaccinating them against rabies, the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program aims to create sterile packs of dogs that are known and thus also taken care of by the communities. There is no fear of rabies and by and large these dogs will not attack people unless they are badly provoked.

Often these stray dogs are an important link in the 'non-existing' garbage disposal system of many communities, market places and road sides. These dogs are essential to eat and clean up the garbage, a job easily taken over by rats - who pose another class of risk for human health. Culling a large population of dogs in a given area will lead to innumerable other pests breeding unchecked for e.g. rats and mice and in certain rural areas even primates like monkeys.

Besides the Nilgiris district, IPAN’s expertise in conducting ABC program has been recognized by other municipalities (e.g. Palani and Kodaikanal) who have requested our help. In December 2008, 503 dogs were sterilized in Palani by IPAN team.

Need for Animal Birth Control

The Main Objectives of the Animal Birth Control Program are:

1. To effectively control the population of stray dogs to achieve a gradual reduction in numbers and stabilize the population on a long-term basis.

2. To reduce the incidence of rabies

3.To stop the brutal and inhumane killing of healthy stray dogs.

INDIA PROJECT FOR ANIMALS AND NATURE

IPAN dog catchers use catching nets to catch dogs.