Member of Parliament and Congress leader Karti P. Chidambaram met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his Parliament House office to raise concerns over the growing health and safety risks posed by India’s large stray dog population.
India is home to an estimated 6.2 crore stray dogs, one of the highest numbers globally. The country also accounts for 36% of the world’s rabies-related deaths, making the issue a significant public health challenge. While the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, were introduced to manage the stray population, Chidambaram pointed out that their implementation has been ineffective due to a lack of resources, funding, and technological support at the local level.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the Congress MP proposed the formation of a National Task Force to develop a comprehensive, humane, and scientific strategy for managing stray dogs. He also stressed the need for dedicated shelter houses and a long-term action plan to address the crisis sustainably.
“The current system is inadequate, and local bodies are struggling to tackle the issue effectively. A coordinated national approach is essential to ensure both public safety and the humane treatment of stray animals,” Chidambaram stated.
The issue of stray dogs has been a contentious one across various parts of the country, with rising cases of dog attacks and rabies-related fatalities. With growing pressure on the government to act, Chidambaram’s appeal signals a push for more concrete policy measures in the near future.