The Supreme Court’s recent directives on addressing the issue of stray dogs, stemming from rising rabies cases and dog bites, mandate the removal of all stray dogs from streets within eight weeks, placing them in dog shelters. The court emphasizes public safety. While some applaud this decision, PETA India contests its scientific and long-term effectiveness, advocating for addressing the root causes instead. Given the government’s implementation of this mandate, the question arises: which countries have successfully mitigated this problem, and what methods did they employ?
1. Bhutan: As reported by The Indian Express, Bhutan achieved 100% stray dog sterilization in 2023, following the launch of its Nationwide Accelerated Dog Population Management and Rabies Control Program in 2021. This program, including sterilization and vaccination, was conducted over approximately 14 years across different phases. From 2021 to 2023, over 1.5 lakh stray dogs underwent sterilization, with a budget of around 29 crore rupees.
2. Morocco: Morocco adopted a humane TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) program for managing stray dogs. This involved capturing dogs, sterilizing them, vaccinating them against rabies, tagging them, and returning them to their original habitats. The government invested approximately $23 million (about 190 crore rupees) in this program over five years.
3. Netherlands: The Netherlands stands as the first European country to have eradicated stray dogs, a significant shift from their high numbers in the early 19th-20th centuries. Initial government measures included culling, regulations, and dog taxes. However, tax evasion led to abandonment. At the end of the 20th century, animal abuse was criminalized, leading to three key changes: heavy taxes on dogs from stores, the CNVR program, and a pet-police force to address abuse and protect animals.
4. Japan: Japan implements stringent animal welfare regulations. Stray dogs are captured, quarantined, and promoted for adoption. Veterinarians conduct low-cost sterilization programs to control stray dog populations. Euthanasia is permitted only for sick or dangerous dogs. In some areas like Tokyo, gas chambers are used, which has drawn criticism due to the prolonged suffering (15 minutes) experienced by the dogs.
5. South Korea: Faced with an increasing number of abandoned pets, South Korea initiated a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for stray cats. This approach involves catching cats, sterilizing them, and returning them to their established territories.