Overview

• The Local Self Government Department directed all municipal corporations, councils and municipalities to follow the ABC Rules, 2023 and release treated, tagged dogs back to their original localities.
• Civic bodies must identify and clearly mark ward‑level feeding points in consultation with local feeders or resident associations, with maintenance by the municipality.
• Humane capture by trained teams using nets or hand is mandated as tongs, wires and nooses are banned, and puppies under six months and lactating females with un‑weaned pups are exempt from capture or surgery.
• Municipalities are required to set up or upgrade sterilisation and vaccination centres, tag sterilised dogs, maintain detailed registers and 30 days of CCTV footage, and form monitoring committees that include an animal‑welfare representative.
• Rabies provisions call for suspected or repeatedly biting dogs to be isolated under veterinary supervision until natural death, recognised organisations are eligible for Rs 200 per capture and Rs 1,450 per sterilisation and care, and compliance reports are due within 30 days.