Poor adherence to pet ownership norms raises public safety concerns

The increasing concern over poor adherence to pet ownership norms and unchecked pet abandonment in India highlights a critical intersection of public health, animal welfare, and local governance. In recent decades, especially with rising disposable incomes and changing lifestyles, pet ownership has surged across both urban and semi-urban landscapes. While this reflects a positive societal shift towards companion animals, it has unfortunately been accompanied by a significant rise in irresponsible practices, leading to the current public safety and animal health crisis.

Historically, the relationship between humans and animals in India has been complex, often rooted in utilitarian purposes (e.g., livestock, working animals) or religious reverence. The concept of pet companionship, particularly with breeds requiring specific care, is a more modern phenomenon. However, a lack of comprehensive understanding of pet responsibilities, coupled with impulsive pet acquisition, often leads to abandonment when owners face challenges such as financial constraints, housing issues, or the animal's illness. This trend was exacerbated during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, as many adopted pets for companionship during lockdowns, only to abandon them once normal life resumed.

Key stakeholders in this issue are diverse and their roles interconnected. At the forefront are **pet owners**, whose adherence to norms directly impacts the problem. **Animal welfare activists and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)** are crucial, often acting as first responders, rescuers, and advocates for animal rights. They highlight the gaps in implementation and bear the brunt of managing abandoned animals. **Local self-governments (Municipal Corporations and Panchayats)** play a pivotal role in formulating and enforcing bye-laws related to pet registration, waste management, and stray animal control. Their weak implementation is a core issue. The **Central and State Governments** are responsible for broader policy frameworks, such as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and supporting bodies like the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). Finally, the **general public** is a significant stakeholder, both as potential pet owners and as those directly affected by public safety concerns like dog bites or health risks from unmanaged stray populations.

This issue holds significant implications for India. From a **public health** perspective, unchecked stray animal populations, particularly dogs, pose a serious risk of zoonotic diseases like rabies. India accounts for a substantial portion of global rabies deaths, making effective stray animal management, including vaccination and sterilization, paramount. **Public safety** is also compromised by increasing instances of dog bites and traffic accidents involving stray animals. Socially, it reflects a growing apathy towards animal welfare and can lead to increased human-animal conflict in residential areas. Economically, the burden on municipal bodies for animal control, healthcare costs for bite victims, and the strain on underfunded NGOs is substantial. From a **governance** standpoint, the problem highlights deficiencies in policy implementation, inter-departmental coordination, and public awareness campaigns at the local level.

India's constitutional framework provides a basis for addressing these concerns. **Article 48A** of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) mandates the State to 'endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.' While primarily focused on wildlife, its spirit can be extended to encompass the broader welfare of living creatures. More directly, **Article 51A(g)**, a Fundamental Duty, states that it shall be the duty of every citizen of India 'to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.' This explicitly places a moral and civic responsibility on citizens regarding animal welfare, directly relevant to responsible pet ownership. The **Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (PCA Act)**, is the primary legislation addressing animal welfare, prohibiting various forms of cruelty. The **Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)**, a statutory advisory body under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, works for the promotion of animal welfare. Furthermore, the **Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001 (now superseded by Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023)**, provide a framework for managing stray dog populations through sterilization and vaccination.

Looking ahead, the future implications are clear. Without stronger enforcement of existing laws, public awareness campaigns on responsible pet ownership (including registration, sterilization, and proper waste disposal), and robust support for animal welfare infrastructure, the problem will only escalate. This could lead to increased human-animal conflict, a greater public health burden, and a decline in the overall quality of life in both urban and rural settings. Effective solutions require a multi-pronged approach involving legislative reforms, enhanced municipal capabilities, greater public participation, and a cultural shift towards more compassionate and responsible pet ownership.