Delhi ordered to impound thousands of stray dogs in fight against rabies

International

AUTHORITIES in Delhi were given eight weeks to transfer stray dogs to animal shelters.

India’s top court issued the order after receiving multiple reports of increasing numbers of rabies in Delhi and other cities, a BBC report said.

India has a high population of dogs, estimating millions of stray dogs in different cities of India such as Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the country accounts for 36% of the world’s rabies-related deaths.

Data from the government showed that there were 3.7 million cases of dog bites across India.

“Infants and young children, not at any cost, should fall prey to rabies. The action should inspire confidence that they can move freely without fear of being bitten by stray dogs,” the court stated.

Animal shelters will be established in Delhi and its nearby towns. At least 5,000 stray dogs are expected to be catered to each housing.

Shelters should have sterilisation, vaccine facilities, and CCTV cameras to monitor the dogs. A helpline should be provided within a week to help report cases of rabies and dog bites.

Dogs that underwent sterilizations are prohibited from being released in public places.(Theressa Faye Lacandazo, USC Comm Intern)