Gandhinagar: To strengthen oversight of stray dog population control while addressing concerns over animal cruelty, the Gujarat government has constituted a 17-member Animal Birth Control (ABC) implementation and monitoring committee. The panel will ensure effective enforcement of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, and prepare district-wise plans to regulate stray dog populations across the state.

As per a notification issued by the Urban Development Department on December 16, the committee will also oversee the formation of ABC monitoring committees at local authority levels. Chaired by the Secretary of the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department, the panel includes senior officials, representatives of the Animal Welfare Board of India and the Gujarat State Animal Welfare Board, municipal commissioners of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, and representatives from the veterinary and panchayat sectors.

The notification acknowledges that stray dog population control is key to reducing dog-related incidents but flags concerns over cruelty in the implementation of ABC programmes. The committee will empanel trained, AWBI-recognised agencies for sterilisation, ensure the availability of shelters and medical facilities, and inspect complaints related to animal cruelty or violations of the rules. AWBI member Mital Khetani said the move addresses gaps in earlier programmes. DeshGujarat