Viral Video Highlights India’s Stray Dog Issue

A recent viral video featuring a street dog halting a Lamborghini Huracan on a Mumbai street has captured the attention of social media users. The dog, humorously named “Dogesh,” has been dubbed the “real boss of the roads.” While the video provides amusement, it underscores a serious issue: the ongoing conflict between street dogs and humans in India. This situation poses safety risks for pedestrians, particularly children and the elderly.

Staggering Statistics on Stray Dogs and Rabies

India is home to approximately 6.2 crore stray dogs, as reported by the State of Pet Homelessness Index of India, 2023. Between 2019 and 2022, there were 1.6 crore reported cases of dog bites. The numbers remained high in subsequent years, with 30 lakh cases in 2023 and 21.95 lakh cases in 2024. This alarming trend has sparked concern among citizens. Additionally, India accounts for 36% of global rabies deaths, with 18,000-20,000 cases annually, according to WHO data.

Legal Framework and Challenges

India’s animal protection laws are governed by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules. These guidelines differentiate between community dogs and pet dogs, complicating responsibility assignment. Pet dogs are considered private property, making vaccination and breeding regulation the owner’s responsibility. However, implementing ABC programs for stray dogs is challenging due to limited resources in municipalities.

Feeding Practices and Territorial Conflicts

The unregulated feeding of stray dogs contributes to territorial pack formations near residential areas. This often leads to conflicts between residents who wish to remove the dogs and animal lovers who seek to protect them.

Learning from the Netherlands’ Success

India can draw lessons from the Netherlands, which has successfully eliminated stray dogs and rabies without resorting to euthanasia. The country’s ‘Collect, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Return’ policy began in the 1990s and was government-funded. This approach stabilized feral dog populations and prevented disease spread. Additionally, heavy taxes on pet store purchases encouraged shelter adoptions, rescuing millions of stray dogs.

Implementing Effective Solutions in India

By adopting clearer regulations and accountability measures, India can promote responsible pet ownership and reduce street dog populations. Encouraging adoption of all breeds can alleviate harassment faced by both dogs and their advocates.