The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has proposed increasing the payment for sterilisation of stray dogs from ₹976 to ₹1,650 per animal, aligning with the new Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules-2023. This change, if approved, will affect private agencies contracted by AMC to manage the city’s estimated 200,000 stray dogs. The increase represents a ₹674 rise per dog and aims to improve the effectiveness and humane treatment in controlling stray dog populations across Ahmedabad.
What Does the New Policy on Stray Dog Sterilisation Specify?
The Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023, notified by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, set revised guidelines and rates for organisations conducting sterilisation and immunisation of street dogs. A key provision is the standardisation of rates paid to agencies for each sterilised dog, fixed at ₹1,650 per animal to cover surgery, post-operative care, vaccination, and transportation.
AMC’s proposed policy update follows this central guideline. It plans to contract recognised organisations such as Shri Yash Domestic Research Center and People for Animals, which comply with the Animal Welfare Board of India’s standards. The AMC has earmarked a budget of ₹3 crore for this programme over the next two years (2024-2026).
The policy also mandates a dog population survey before sterilisation in wards reporting high complaints of dog bites and aggression. The Goal Foundation is conducting the first phase of this survey in selected Ahmedabad wards, ensuring targeted and efficient intervention.
Who Will Be Affected by the Sterilisation Cost Increase and How?
The primary stakeholders affected are the private agencies contracted by AMC to carry out sterilisation and vaccination of stray dogs. The increased rate of ₹1,650 per dog will enable these organisations to upgrade surgical facilities, improve veterinary care, and enhance post-operative monitoring.
Residents of Ahmedabad, particularly in districts with high stray dog populations such as Sabarmati, Maninagar, and Asarwa, will indirectly benefit from better-managed dog populations. The policy aims to reduce incidents of dog bites and improve public safety, as highlighted in reports like Ahmedabad Faces Stray Dog Crisis Amid Public Safety Concerns.
Local government officials and AMC staff involved in animal control will also have clearer operational guidelines under the new rules.
Why Has the Government Decided to Increase Sterilisation Costs Now?
Since 2021, AMC has paid ₹976 per dog, managing to sterilise over 150,000 dogs cumulatively. However, rising veterinary costs, inflation, and the need for more comprehensive care have made the previous rate inadequate.
The adoption of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules-2023 by the central government reflects a nationwide move to standardise rates and improve animal welfare. Ahmedabad, with its large stray dog population, needs enhanced resources to reduce the population humanely.
Recent concerns over public safety incidents, such as the tragic killing of a three-year-old boy by stray dogs in Bodeli (source), and other attacks including the one on a toddler in Amreli (source), have pressured authorities to act decisively.
Additionally, the AMC’s allocation of ₹3 crore for this initiative aligns with the broader urban development agenda, including the significant investments planned in Ahmedabad, such as the ₹25,000 crore development works (source), which require safer city environments.
What Are Stakeholders Saying About the Increased Sterilisation Cost?
Animal welfare groups like People for Animals have welcomed the move, stating that the increased rates will allow for better veterinary infrastructure and humane treatment. Shri Yash Domestic Research Center also emphasises that adequate funding is essential for quality surgical procedures and aftercare, reducing mortality rates among sterilised dogs.
However, some local residents have expressed concerns about the adequacy of sterilisation drives in all city wards, demanding more transparency and periodic public reporting on sterilisation progress and dog population trends.
Critics argue that while sterilisation is vital, it must be complemented with public awareness campaigns on responsible pet ownership and waste management, which contribute to stray dog proliferation.
What Does This Mean for Ahmedabad Residents and Dog Welfare?
- Reporting Issues: Residents are encouraged to report stray dog complaints, especially in high-risk areas, to AMC’s Animal Control Department for timely surveys and intervention.
- Improved Safety: With better-funded sterilisation programmes, communities can expect a gradual decline in aggressive stray dog encounters.
- Support Animal Welfare Organisations: Citizens can collaborate with local NGOs like People for Animals and the Goal Foundation to support humane stray dog management.
- Stay Informed: Follow AMC announcements and meeting outcomes, such as the upcoming Health Committee session where the proposal will be discussed, to remain aware of policy changes.
- Community Participation: Active participation in community awareness drives can help address root causes of stray dog overpopulation.
Dog Sterilisation Statistics in Ahmedabad (2021-26)
| Year | Dogs Sterilised | Cost (crore ₹) |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 30,360 | 4.64 |
| 2022-23 | 46,471 | 4.43 |
| 2023-24 | 40,206 | 3.82 |
| 2024-25 | 14,461 | 1.41 |
| 2025-26* (projected) | 1,658 | 1.61 |
*Figures for 2025-26 are projected based on current budgets and rates.
Ahmedabad’s continuous investments in stray dog sterilisation demonstrate a commitment to addressing public safety and animal welfare simultaneously. The increase in sterilisation cost reflects the evolving requirements of humane animal population control in a growing urban environment.
Bottom Line: The AMC’s proposed increase to ₹1,650 per stray dog sterilisation aligns with national policy and aims to enhance public safety and animal welfare in Ahmedabad. Residents should stay informed, report stray dog issues promptly, and support community efforts for a safer city.