AWBI RWA circular 17Jul 25

Shifting ownership and responsibility for stray dogs to RWA and AOS now

This letter from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), dated July 17, 2025, addresses the Chief Secretaries of all State Governments/UTs and all Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Apartment Owner Associations (AOAs). The subject of the letter is the "Implementation of Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023 - Guidelines for Local Bodies, RWAs, and AOAs".

The AWBI, a statutory body under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, is responsible for promoting animal welfare and preventing unnecessary suffering. The letter highlights that the Central Government notified the ABC Rules, 2023, on March 10, 2023, superseding the 2001 rules. These new rules align with directions from the Supreme Court and various High Courts, which emphasize a humane and scientific approach to street dog population management.

The ABC program, based on WHO and OIE guidelines, is recognized globally as the only effective, ethical, and sustainable method for controlling street dog populations, with sterilization of female dogs being crucial for interrupting the reproductive cycle. Indiscriminate relocation or culling has been proven ineffective and can lead to negative consequences like the vacuum effect and increased aggression.

The letter explicitly involves and holds RWAs and AOAs accountable as partners in the ABC process. Rule 20 of the ABC Rules, 2023, makes it the responsibility of RWAs, AOAs, or local body representatives to ensure the provision of care and feeding of community animals residing within or around their premises. This rule promotes inclusive community participation and recognizes the role of compassionate individuals in animal care.

Accordingly, RWAs, AOAs, and Local Body representatives are directed to undertake the following actions:

* Designate mutually agreed-upon feeding spots, keeping in mind the dog population and territories, ensuring these spots are away from children's play areas, entry/exit points, staircases, or areas frequented by children and senior citizens.

* Designate feeding times based on the movement of children and senior citizens, choosing times when the spots are least frequented by them.

* Ensure that designated feeders prevent littering at feeding locations and adhere to guidelines set by the RWA or AOA.

* Allow designated feeders to volunteer for vaccination, catching, and release of dogs to assist with the ABC program.

Furthermore, RWAs, AOAs, or Local Body representatives are required to maintain a register of community animals in their area, including:

* Estimated population

* Sterilization status

* Anti-rabies vaccination records

* Identity of feeders or caregivers

This data can be integrated with Local Body records or shared with State Animal Welfare Boards for better tracking and coordination. The letter emphasizes the importance of these coordinated efforts for effective implementation of the ABC Rules, 2023, and to minimize man-animal conflict while promoting coexistence.