The Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 were notified by the central government in March 2023. They replace the 2001 rules and set out how community dogs and cats are sterilised and vaccinated.
Main points
- Who runs it: local bodies (municipal corporations, municipalities, panchayats), working with organisations recognised by the Animal Welfare Board of India for this work.
- How it works: dogs are caught humanely, sterilised, vaccinated against rabies, and returned to the same area they were taken from.
- No relocation: sterilised community dogs must not be removed or relocated.
- Feeding: residents’ and apartment owners’ associations are responsible for arranging feeding spots for community animals in their area.
- Monitoring: local committees oversee the programme and handle complaints.
If the rules are not being followed
Write to your local body’s ABC or veterinary department, then your State Animal Welfare Board and the Animal Welfare Board of India. Read the full rules in the Library.
This guide is general information, not legal advice.