: Samrakshan : FAQ

Frequently asked questions(FAQs) about
sterilization and vaccination of street dogs

Sterilization and Vaccination of stray dogs has been accepted the world over as the only effective and sustainable method of controlling stray dog populations. In its judgment in response to a PIL, the Tis Hazari court of Delhi passed an order in December 1992, prohibiting the authorities from killing of stray dogs.

Since then, the MCD and the NDMC, the two civic agencies in Delhi, capture dogs and send them to various animal welfare organisations in the city. Here they are sterilized, vaccinated against rabies, and given any other medical treatment they require. Finally they are marked for identification and released by the municipal dog squad in their original locations.

Some of the common questions that arise are:

1. If stray dog population is the issue, isn't killing more effective?
No. The MCD had been killing dogs for a number of decades.
Till 1992, more than 50,000 dogs were being electrocuted annually without any noticeable reduction in their population.
This is because dogs are territorial animals, and animals migrating from neighbouring areas quickly fill the vacuum created by dog removal. The dogs that escape killing also quickly fill these niches through a very high breeding rate. Sterilized dogs, on the other hand, do not proliferate, and also prevent other dogs from encroaching on their territory.

2. But isn't sterilization more expensive?
No. Dog killing is an endless process and a complete waste of
tax payers' money. Sterilization, though initially expensive (about Rs.500 per dog), is solution oriented, and only requires to be carried out for 7 to 10 years in a specific geographical area, for complete coverage of the area.

3. Are both male and female dogs operated upon?
Yes, by authorised veterinary surgeons. Males are castrated, so they no longer pursue and impregnate females on heat. Bitches go through an ovario-hysterectomy, so they do not come on heat or breed. Male and female dogs are operated upon after the age of nine months. Reproductive females are sterilized eight weeks after delivery.

4. What about the nuisance of dogs fighting and barking at night?
Since most dog aggression and fighting occurs due to mating, sterilizing greatly reduces this problem. Moreover, sterilized dogs tend to become more docile.

5. How is the rabies problem being tackled?
Dog killing was being carried out by the Municipality as a rabies control measure, but even very high killing rates had absolutely no effect on the number of human rabies deaths. The World Health Organisation has recommended mass immunisation as the only effective method of rabies eradication, especially in developing countries.

6. Are any localities conducting vaccination-cum-sterilizations in their areas?
Yes, in fact many residential colonies have been extremely successful in controlling the dog population in a completely humane way due to the efforts of individuals and Resident Welfare Associations. The result is happy, healthy female dogs who now do not have to go through endless cycles of birth, leaving them weak and emaciated. The dogs in these areas are actually an asset and a source of delight to the whole neighbourhood. They are healthy, playful companions and most dependable guards at night.

7. What do I do if I want the strays in my area sterilized?
It would be best if you can bring the dogs on your own to the sterilization centre nearest to you, after checking with the NGO running it. Alternatively, you can contact the nearest animal welfare organization to help transport the dog. The following are the animal welfare organizations located in Delhi.