UP syncs rules for stray dogs with Supreme Court’s order

According to the government, the circular, informed by directives from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and aligned with Supreme Court mandates and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, outlines a multi-faceted strategy.

The Supreme Court had drawn nationwide attention after a two-judge bench on August 11 ordered the removal of street dogs from the Delhi-National Capital Region within six to eight weeks and placed them in shelters permanently.

That order provoked a backlash from animal-welfare groups and prompted a three-judge bench on August 22 to modify the stance.

The revised ruling allows non-rabid, non-aggressive sterilised and vaccinated dogs to be returned to their original localities, while prohibiting unregulated public feeding, requiring designated feeding zones, and urging the formulation of a uniform national policy. It also warned that obstruction of municipal dog-catching operations could attract contempt proceedings.

The Uttar Pradesh government’s circular frames its response around those principles:

Designation and criteria for feeding zones

It directs municipal corporations and local bodies to identify feeding zones in every ward proportionate to the stray-dog population and to situate these zones away from playgrounds, school entrances, and areas frequented by senior citizens. Feeding times are to be scheduled at periods of low activity by the vulnerable groups.

Responsibilities of Feeders and Compliance

Feeders must confine food and water to the designated zones, maintain cleanliness and follow rules set by resident welfare associations or housing societies; feeding outside sanctioned zones is explicitly prohibited and punishable under the rules. Additionally, feeders are encouraged to assist local bodies in implementing the ABC program and administering rabies injections to stray dogs.

Conflict Resolution Mechanisms

To resolve conflicts between caregivers, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and local bodies, the state mandates the creation of an animal welfare association committee at the local level. The committee, to include the Chief Veterinary Officer, a nominated area police officer, RWA members and other stakeholders, will make binding decisions on feeding points and will nominate caretakers under the ABC Rules, 2023. Persisting disputes may be escalated to a state board for a final determination.

Awareness and Support Programs

Public awareness campaigns, through schools, social media, posters and helplines, are part of the plan, and the state will recognise local bodies, NGOs or individuals that excel in managing stray-dog issues.A dedicated helpline number will be provided by local bodies for reporting and addressing concerns.

Adoption and ABC Program Details

Adoption has been encouraged under the new rules. Individuals and NGOs can apply to adopt identified street dogs, but adopters are prohibited from abandoning animals subsequently. The state will also organise regular sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination camps in partnership with animal welfare organisations and veterinarians, prioritising high-risk areas and allocating budgets accordingly. Training for dog catchers in humane methods will be provided periodically.

Prohibitions and Enforcement

No feeding is allowed outside designated zones. Local bodies must install notice boards at feeding areas outlining guidelines, explicitly stating that feeding stray dogs outside these zones is prohibited. Strict actions, in accordance with rules, will be taken against violators found feeding in unauthorized areas. Threatening or fighting with animal lovers, especially women, who are feeding street dogs in compliance with rules, is deemed a crime, with strict actions will be taken.

Monitoring and Oversight

A monitoring cell will be established under the additional director at the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies to oversee programme implementation. All initiatives will operate under the ABC Rules, 2023.

“Dog bites remain a critical public-health concern,” Principal Secretary, Urban Development Department Amrit Abhijat said, describing the circular as a comprehensive, humane and practical response. “By designating safe feeding zones, resolving disputes through community committees, and strengthening continuous ABC operations, we aim to protect children and seniors while upholding animal welfare. Local bodies must implement these measures promptly, and state-level monitoring will ensure consistency across Uttar Pradesh.”

The updated circular also reinforces earlier mandates such as mandatory pet registration with local bodies, including details on breed, age and vaccination status, with fines for non-compliance. It requires close collaboration with Animal Welfare Organisations (AWOs), the Animal Welfare Board of India and NGOs, and sets up monitoring committees in each urban body comprising officials, veterinarians, and activists to handle complaints and oversight.

The circular reiterates that ABC operations, humane capture, sterilisation, anti-rabies vaccination and release to the original locality, must run continuously. Rabid or aggressive animals will be quarantined and monitored at ABC centres, and local bodies are required to develop pounds for such cases. The guidelines emphasize humane handling: arrests, cruelty, unauthorized relocation or euthanasia are banned except when legally authorised and necessary.

The state has urged municipal bodies to begin rapid roll-out and to use the prescribed helplines and committees to resolve disputes. Timely reporting and the active participation of AWOs and residents will be critical to the programme’s success, a point that mirrors the Apex Court’s call for coordinated action across states and Union Territories.

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