
In a decisive step toward addressing the growing stray dog population, Gorakhpur has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Animal Birth Control (ABC) Centre. The new facility is aimed at providing humane population control of street dogs through sterilization and vaccination, aligning with national animal welfare guidelines.
The initiative, launched under the direction of the Municipal Corporation, marks a significant development in the city’s efforts to improve public health and animal welfare. With increasing cases of dog bites and growing concerns from residents about the presence of unsterilized strays in residential areas, the new ABC Centre promises a structured and scientific solution.
A Humane Approach to Street Dog Management
The ABC Centre will operate in accordance with the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, which emphasize sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination as the only legal and humane methods of managing the stray dog population. The newly established facility includes dedicated operation theatres, recovery wards, pre-surgical holding areas, and a team of trained veterinary surgeons, handlers, and support staff.
According to civic authorities, the centre has the capacity to sterilize and vaccinate around 30-40 dogs per day in its initial phase. Over time, this number is expected to rise as the facility becomes fully operational and more trained personnel are deployed.
“Our goal is to bring down the stray dog population in a compassionate, scientifically proven way,” said a senior official of the Municipal Corporation. “We are also conducting training programs for our staff and engaging with NGOs and animal welfare volunteers to ensure the smooth functioning of the centre.”
Public Participation and Awareness
In addition to the sterilization drive, the Municipal Corporation is also launching awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the importance of animal birth control. Flyers, posters, and community meetings will be organized to dispel myths about stray dogs and promote the benefits of the ABC programme.
Officials are urging residents and animal feeders to cooperate by helping identify unsterilized dogs in their neighbourhoods and reporting them to the authorities. A helpline and digital reporting system are being set up to streamline this process and increase citizen participation.
“Public cooperation is essential,” added the official. “The community’s involvement in reporting and monitoring can significantly accelerate the effectiveness of this programme.”
A Step Toward Healthier Communities
Stray dog management is not just about reducing numbers—it’s also a matter of public safety and disease prevention. With rabies still a concern in parts of India, especially among vulnerable populations, the anti-rabies component of the ABC programme plays a crucial role in safeguarding both humans and animals.
Animal rights activists and NGOs have welcomed the move, emphasizing that sterilization and vaccination are the only ethical alternatives to culling, which has been deemed illegal and ineffective by the courts and the Animal Welfare Board of India.
“This ABC Centre is a much-needed addition to Gorakhpur,” said a representative from a local animal welfare organization. “It respects animal rights while addressing public concerns. If implemented properly, this can serve as a model for other cities.”
The success of the ABC Centre will depend on consistent implementation, trained manpower, regular funding, and continued public involvement. The Municipal Corporation has already earmarked a budget for the facility’s operations and is planning to review progress every quarter.
With the centre now operational, Gorakhpur joins the list of Indian cities adopting modern, humane strategies to manage the stray dog population. If the efforts are sustained and supported by the community, the city could see a noticeable decline in stray-related incidents within the next few years.
This initiative represents more than just animal control—it reflects a shift toward responsible urban management and compassionate coexistence with animals.