In a significant move aligning with animal welfare advocacy, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is set to roll out a formal 'Adopt A Stray' programme. This initiative seeks to provide a structured pathway for citizens to offer permanent homes to sterilized and vaccinated stray dogs currently housed in municipal shelters.
Responding to the Supreme Court Directive
The programme is a direct response to a landmark Supreme Court order dated November 7. The apex court mandated the removal of stray dogs from sensitive public institutions, including schools, colleges, hospitals, sports complexes, bus depots, and railway stations. The court directed that strays from these premises must be sterilized, vaccinated as per Animal Birth Control Rules, and then relocated to designated shelters, not released back to their original location.
Following this order, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which the AMC is now implementing in phases. A senior official from the AMC's cattle nuisance control department confirmed that the 'Adopt A Stray' scheme is currently being fleshed out with detailed rules and vetting procedures and will be launched soon.
Structure and Safeguards of the Adoption Scheme
The core objective of the programme is twofold: to give stray dogs a chance at a secure home life and to address concerns among animal lovers and caregivers regarding the relocation of community dogs. The adoption process will involve a thorough vetting procedure to ensure the well-being of the animals.
Prospective adopters will need to demonstrate they have adequate space and resources to care for a dog. The rules will also specify how many strays an individual or organization can adopt, preventing hoarding and ensuring proper care. "The adoption rules will ensure that only those with adequate space and resources can welcome these furry companions into their homes," an official stated.
AMC's Proactive Measures and Nodal Officers
Acting on the Supreme Court's comprehensive directions, which also included appointing nodal officers and maintaining anti-rabies supplies, the AMC has tightened measures on its own properties. The corporation has appointed over 25 nodal officers to restrict the entry of stray dogs into municipal buildings.
These officers have been tasked with multiple responsibilities:
- Surveying the stray dog population in their jurisdiction.
- Preventing the feeding of strays on government premises.
- Maintaining records of dog bite incidents.
- Reporting on sterilization and relocation efforts.
- Liaising with other institutions to ensure they appoint their own nodal officers and share information with the civic body.
This multi-pronged approach signifies a shift towards more regulated and humane management of Ahmedabad's stray dog population, balancing public safety with animal welfare through the promising avenue of responsible adoption.
