India’s stray dog population has long been a subject of debate, straddling the fine line between public safety, animal rights, and sustainable urban management.

The stray dog policy in India is crucial in addressing issues such as rising dog bite cases, rabies control, and the welfare of street animals. With an estimated 15–20 million stray dogs, the challenges are immense.

Effective implementation requires cooperation between government agencies, local municipalities, NGOs, and citizens.

The core of the policy lies in the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, which emphasize sterilization and vaccination rather than culling. This humane approach aims to gradually reduce the stray population while minimizing the risk of rabies.

However, limited resources and uneven enforcement across states remain a major hurdle. Public awareness campaigns about responsible pet ownership, waste management, and vaccination are essential in curbing the stray population.

From a socio-cultural lens, stray dogs are often seen as part of India’s urban fabric, cared for by local feeders and communities. Yet, rising urbanization and lack of waste disposal systems encourage uncontrolled breeding.

Thus, municipal bodies must integrate stricter waste management practices with sterilization drives. 

Internationally, models from countries like Thailand and Brazil show that long-term sterilization and vaccination, coupled with public health programs, can effectively control stray populations. India’s stray dog policy needs more structured funding,
collaboration with NGOs, and data-driven monitoring systems. By balancing compassion with safety, India can create a sustainable framework to manage its stray dog population without compromising animal rights or public health.