Animal rights body opposes Bedi's 'dog pound' solution

An animal rights body today opposed Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi's suggestion of finding a "dog pound" to curb street dogs overpopulation, stating that law prohibits capture and translocation of stray dogs, except for animal birth control.
According to Humane Society International- India, following a complaint on increased stray dog population, Bedi tweeted, "Fellow Travellor on flt complained of too many street dogs which scares children+others. Will look out for a dog pound+ to shift them out ASP."
In a letter to Bedi, HSI India said the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) (ABC) Rules 2011, prohibit capture and translocation of stray dogs except for animal birth control.

"It may also be noted that confining stray dogs in pounds, apart from being illegal, is an ineffective and failed solution to their overpopulation. The only scientific, legal and successful solution to stray dog overpopulation is a well designed ABC programme," the letter said.
The Supreme Court has directed that Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 with special reference to the ABC rules 2001, needs to be implemented in letter and spirit by all states and Union Territories, it said.
"It (apex court) further stated that no innovative method or subterfuge should be adopted to not carry out the responsibilities under the 1960 Act and 2001 rules. That any kind of laxity while carrying out statutory obligations is not countenanced in law," HSI India added in the letter.