Can you take away Stray Dogs and Cats from their location? NO.

Relocation is Illegal

Relocation of stray dogs and cats is illegal as per the animal welfare rules in India. Stray dogs and cats have to be sterilised as per the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules 2023 and released back in the same area/location from where they were picked up.

Key reasons why animals should be returned to their Original Location

Here are the key reasons why the rules stipulate returning the animals to their original locations:

1. Territorial Behaviour: Dogs are territorial animals. When they are removed from their territory, other dogs may move in (potentially unsterilised and unvaccinated), potentially leading to conflicts or the spread of diseases if the new dogs are not sterilized or vaccinated.

2. Control of Population: The ABC program helps control the dog population humanely. Sterilization prevents the birth of unwanted puppies, which gradually reduces the stray dog population.

3. Prevent Spread of Disease: Returning vaccinated dogs to their original territory helps ensure that the area remains populated with immunized dogs, reducing the risk of diseases like rabies.

4. Stable Dog Population: With sterilization and vaccination, the dog population becomes more stable and manageable. Aggressive behaviours are often reduced, and the health of the dog population improves.

5. Ethical Considerations: Ethically, it’s important to respect the life and welfare of stray animals. By sterilizing and then returning them, they can continue to live in their familiar environment without the added stress of being relocated to an unknown area.

It’s to be noted that The Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules of 2023 clearly outline that stray dogs and cats must be sterilized, vaccinated, and then returned to the exact location from which they were picked up. This approach is intended to maintain territorial stability among dog populations and promote a humane, sustainable solution to managing stray animals.