India's stray animal problem, particularly with dogs, has been the subject of heated discussion for the past few weeks. The Supreme Court on stray dogs has mandated that canines in Delhi be taken into custody, vaccinated, sterilised, and then returned to public areas. Even though this strategy complies with the current Animal Birth Control (ABC) Regulations, it begs a key question: Are we doing enough to live with these creatures, or are we merely transferring the issue? 

Strays belong to our cities, just like we do!
The Earth is home not just to humans but to all living beings. According to Article 51A(g) of our Constitution, every citizen is required to have compassion for all living things. In Animal Welfare Board of India vs. A. Nagaraja (2014), the Supreme Court ruled that animals have inherent rights and that compassion should be used to shape legislation.

This means that stray dogs, cats, and pigeons cannot be considered a simple "nuisance". They should live with dignity since they are a part of our urban ecosystem. The sole "solution" cannot be to pick them up and place them in shelters. 

The Pigeon Feeding Ban in Mumbai
After the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) clamped down on pigeon feeding in Dadar kabutar khanas, or pigeon-feeding zones, citing grave public health concerns, such as the potential for diseases transferred through the air from pigeon droppings and feathers, the Bombay High Court intervened.

Instead of shooing stray animals away, here are practical methods that respect both human and animal lives:

Strengthen the Animal Birth Control Program: Sterilisation and vaccination must be implemented in a planned and scientific manner. Many municipal governments administer these programmes half-heartedly, resulting in inconsistent results. Robust government regulations, improved financing, and increased accountability can gradually stabilise the dog population without necessitating widespread removal.

Community Carers as Partners, not Criminals: Citizens who feed and care for stray animals face frequent harassment, even though the law protects them. In Mumbai, some places are set aside expressly for pigeon feeding, while stray dogs and cats lack comparable organised sites. Cities may make sure that feeding occurs properly—without causing hygienic problems—and that animals remain vaccinated and under observation by formally identifying and educating community carers.

Urban Planning with Animals in Mind: Public areas must be designed with animals in mind, just as they are for people. Strays can live without interacting with human residents if they have access to shade, water bowls, and areas specifically designated for feeding. This strategy also avoids unsafe feeding in unexpected places, which frequently results in complaints.

Education and Awareness: Misinformation and fear create animosity towards stray animals. Public awareness programmes about rabies prevention, responsible strays, and dog behaviour might lessen conflict. Schools, RWAs, and local communities can all play an important role here.

Stronger Policy Backing: A long-term policy is what India needs, not short-term directives. Animal rights and public health issues (such as rabies control) should be balanced. This foundation is already provided by the ABC Rules; however, it is not well implemented. There should be transparency in monitoring, financial allocation, and accountability for municipalities.

Why Relocation Doesn’t Work?
Disrupts Natural Habitats: Stray animals are territorial. Relocating them is pointless because they either return to their original locations or struggle to survive.

Public Health Risks Don’t Vanish: Picking up animals merely moves them to a different location; it doesn't solve the rabies or trash issues. The cycle continues in the absence of long-term policies.

Community Resistance: Many countries consider strays to be a natural part of their environment. Unexpected removals upset people emotionally and frequently lead to disputes between the communities and the authorities.

The Balance between Safety & Compassion
Managing stray populations is about coping with them in a responsible manner, not about erasing them. Rabies control, trash management, and hygiene are all legitimate concerns, but they may be addressed through organised, science-based, and compassionate policies rather than removal and bans.

The pigeons that people feed and the dogs who patrol our streets are not outsiders; they are integral to our shared urban fabric. In many respects, they serve as a reminder that cities are more than just human settlements; they are ecosystems that thrive in diversity. 

Conclusion
If the animal welfare law itself urges us to be compassionate towards all living species, our policies must go beyond fear and annoyance. Putting stray animals out of sight is not the answer. It is to embrace cohabitation with the support of responsible behaviour, awareness, and robust policies for the prevention of the Animal Cruelty Act.

Because the earth is their home, just as it is ours!

Disclaimer - The information contained in this blog is for informational purposes only and the readers may use or apply the same at their will. We believe in the uniqueness of every pet and its parent. Therefore, not every piece of information and idea presented here may be suited to all.