A pack of street dogs in Virugambakkam, Chennai. File
| Photo Credit: B. Velankanni Raj

The Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission (SPC) has come out with a comprehensive draft policy framework for community dog management and regulation, aimed at addressing the challenges posed by the growing dog population in the State and ensuring public health and safety.

With a vision for “a rabies-free Tamil Nadu with a scientifically managed and gradually moderating dog population,” the policy outlines a strategic approach to manage the dog population in a humane, effective, and sustainable manner. Community dogs, referred to as stray dogs, thrive among large human populations and are considered to be free-roaming pets.

Vaccination drives

One of the key aspects highlighted was the public health risks. It said that the presence of community or unvaccinated dogs raises significant concerns regarding the potential spread of diseases, with rabies posing a notable public health risk. Similar to the pulse polio vaccination drive, an anti-rabies mass vaccination drive should be conducted on dedicated days to combat rabies in community dogs.

Local authorities may collaborate with NGOs and animal welfare groups for the same. Vaccinated animals can be easily identified by marking them with collars to ensure that there is no duplication or omission. For identification, suggestions like colour marking, number tagging, micro-chipping, utilising Radio-Frequency Identification Devices, and ear notching were mentioned in the draft policy.

The SPC also noted that the veterinary hospitals of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services of the Tamil Nadu government, which include 48 veterinary hospitals, are equipped with modern theatre facilities. These facilities can be effectively utilised for the implementation of animal birth control programmes, in addition to animal birth control centres established by city corporations and other local bodies across the State.

Setting up of mobile units

It also suggested that establishment of mobile operation facilities is essential to ensure that even local bodies in distant places can access periodic animal birth control programmes, along with vaccination campaigns. These mobile units are designed to provide doorstep treatment, addressing various concerns and promoting public awareness.

The report also pointed out the importance of a skilled workforce. “Skilled personnel are crucial for the successful implementation of animal birth control programmes. Training opportunities should be extended to animal attenders from NGOs and animal welfare organisations,” it said.

The registration of all pet dogs is imperative to promote responsible pet ownership and address dog abandonment. Dog breeding is becoming an emerging business, which warrants regulations, and a framework needs to be created for this, including registration and renewal.

The draft policy also documented case studies from across different countries. For instance, in France, swift action is taken by municipal teams to collect these abandoned pets. In the United Kingdom, a proactive approach to community dog management involved mandatory micro-chipping and strict reporting protocols, contributing to the maintenance of clear streets. The SPC said that the learnings from these examples conclude that efforts have been successful in reducing the number of community dogs and that pet ownership and community shelters for dogs without owners have become a norm. It also indicates that all dogs, including community dogs, are registered, pet abandoning is penalised, and all dogs are vaccinated.

The SPC pointed out that a periodic review of the policy is essential to ensure its continued effectiveness and relevance in managing community dog populations and promoting humane practices. The State will review the policy once in five years to assess its impact.