The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to aggressively implement the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme to curb the rising stray dog population. The court emphasized that stopping population growth is the key to resolving the public safety crisis.

Key Takeaways

  • The High Court advised the Maharashtra government to implement the ABC programme 'aggressively'.
  • Stopping the growth of the stray dog population is seen as the primary solution to the menace.
  • The court emphasized targeting adult dogs for sterilization to prevent future litters.
  • The matter follows a Supreme Court mandate to address the alarming rise in dog-related attacks.

The Bombay High Court on Friday issued a strong directive to the Maharashtra government, suggesting an "aggressive" implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programme. The court observed that the primary driver of the stray dog crisis is the continuous and uncontrolled growth of their population, which compounds the risks to public safety.

Acting Chief Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge remarked during the proceedings, "If you implement the ABC programme aggressively, there will be no growth of stray dogs. Every dog that is sterilised cannot procreate." The bench noted that instead of merely attempting to manage an ever-increasing number of dogs, the administration must focus on capturing and sterilizing adult dogs to ensure no new puppies are born, effectively "nipping the disease in the bud."

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the escalating frequency of dog bites and rabies incidents in urban centers has created a significant public health challenge. Without a robust sterilization mechanism, reactive measures like relocation or temporary containment are destined to fail. A proactive, science-based approach to population control is essential for coexistence.

"If you stop the growth, the rest falls in line. Once the growth is halted, you can then focus on managing the existing population and rabies prevention."

The High Court is hearing this suo motu writ petition following a landmark Supreme Court judgment in 2025. The apex court had previously criticized the state for being a "passive spectator" in the face of rising dog attacks and had directed High Courts to take active judicial roles in managing the crisis through the ABC framework.

Historical Background

The management of stray animals in India has long been a battleground between animal rights activists and citizens seeking safety. While the ABC Rules aim to manage populations humanely, poor implementation has historically led to gaps in coverage. The shift from 'removal' to 'sterilization and vaccination' represents a global standard in urban wildlife management.

Did You Know?: Sterilization not only controls population but also significantly reduces territorial aggression in stray dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the ABC Programme?
The Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme is a systematic method of controlling the population of community animals through sterilization and vaccination.

2. Why did the High Court intervene?
The court intervened to ensure the state fulfills its duty to protect citizens from dog attacks while following the Supreme Court's guidelines on humane population control.