Following a Supreme Court order prompted by concerns over rising rabies cases and dog bites, all stray dogs must be removed from the streets and placed in dog shelters within eight weeks. The court prioritizes public safety. While this decision is viewed positively by some, PETA India contends that it is neither a scientific nor a sustainable solution, emphasizing the need to address the underlying causes. As government agencies implement this mandate, the question arises: which nations have successfully managed to minimize this issue, and what strategies have they employed?
1. Bhutan: According to The Indian Express, Bhutan became the first country to sterilize 100% of its stray dog population in 2023. This was achieved through the Nationwide Accelerated Dog Population Management and Rabies Control Program, initiated in 2021. The sterilization and vaccination program was implemented over approximately 14 years in different phases. Between 2021 and 2023, over 1.5 lakh stray dogs were sterilized. The program’s budget was approximately 29 crore rupees.
2. Morocco: Morocco adopted a humane approach to managing stray dogs, implementing a TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) program. This method involved capturing dogs, sterilizing them, vaccinating them against rabies, tagging them, and then releasing them back into their original areas. The government invested about $23 million (approximately 190 crore rupees) in this program over five years.
3. Netherlands: The Netherlands stands out as the first European country without a stray dog population, a significant contrast to their high numbers in the early 19th-20th centuries. Early government measures included culling, regulations, and dog taxes, but tax avoidance led to increased abandonment. In the late 20th century, animal abuse was criminalized, leading to major changes: substantial taxes on dogs purchased from stores, the CNVR program, and the establishment of a pet-police force to combat abuse and protect animals.
4. Japan: Japan enforces strict animal welfare laws. Stray dogs are captured, quarantined, and encouraged for adoption. Veterinary doctors conduct low-cost sterilization programs to control the stray dog population. Euthanasia is permitted only for sick or dangerous dogs. In some areas, such as Tokyo, gas chambers are used, a method that has faced criticism due to the potential for dogs to suffer for up to 15 minutes before death.
5. South Korea: In response to a growing number of abandoned pets, South Korea initiated a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for stray cats. This involved capturing cats, sterilizing them, and returning them to their established territories.
