Rules and court orders can change. Last checked against official sources on 10-10-2026.
The Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023 set out how street dog populations are managed in India: through sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination rather than killing or removal. This guide explains how the programme works, who is responsible, and what residents and feeders can do. For more on caring for dogs, visit our dog hub.
Who runs the ABC programme
The local authority, meaning your municipal corporation, nagar nigam or panchayat, is responsible for carrying out the ABC programme. [S1] In 2026 the Supreme Court also directed every State and Union Territory to set up at least one fully functional ABC centre in each district. [S3]
How the process works
- Capture: dogs are caught humanely for sterilisation. Puppies under 6 months, and mothers nursing pups under 2 months, are not captured. [S1]
- Sterilisation: the dog is sterilised and given at least 4 days of kennel care after surgery. [S1]
- Vaccination: every sterilised dog gets an anti-rabies vaccination. [S1]
- Marking: a V-shaped notch on the right ear shows the dog has been sterilised. [S1]
- Release: the dog is put back in the same territory, at the point where it was caught. [S1]
Exceptions to release
The Supreme Court has made exceptions to the release rule:
- dogs that are rabid, suspected to be rabid, or aggressive are not released back onto the streets [S2]
- dogs removed from schools, hospitals and other institutional or high-footfall public premises go to designated shelters, not back to those premises [S3]
Our guide to ABC Rules and relocation of street dogs explains these exceptions in detail.
Feeding and housing societies
The ABC Rules also cover feeding of community animals. The resident welfare association or apartment owners’ association is responsible for arranging feeding at an agreed spot, away from children’s play areas, at a time when children and senior citizens are least likely to be around. Disputes go to an Animal Welfare Committee. [S4] Since August 2025, the Supreme Court has also said feeding should happen only at designated feeding spots, not on the streets. [S2]
Read more: how to feed street dogs responsibly.
Complaints and dog bites
- The ABC Rules provide for animal helplines where dog-bite complaints can be made, and complaints are recorded in a register. [S1]
- The Supreme Court directed each municipality to set up a dedicated helpline. [S2]
If an unsterilised dog lives in your area, or a dog seems aggressive or unwell, report it to your municipal corporation rather than trying to move or catch it yourself.
The Pawsitive Hoomans Take
The ABC Rules work best when residents and feeders help the local authority rather than working around it: report unsterilised dogs, keep track of which dogs have the ear notch, and make sure the dogs you care for are vaccinated every year. A sterilised, vaccinated, well-fed dog population is calmer and safer for everyone.
🐾 Caring for community dogs? Keep each dog’s sterilisation and vaccination dates in a free Pet Passport, and use our Vaccination Tracker so you know when the next rabies shot is due.
Frequently asked questions
What are the ABC Rules 2023?
Rules that set out how street dog populations are managed in India, through sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination carried out by the local authority. [S1]
Are sterilised dogs released back where they were caught?
Yes, as a general rule. [S1] The exceptions are rabid or aggressive dogs [S2], and dogs removed from institutional and similar public premises, which go to shelters. [S3]
How can I tell if a street dog is sterilised?
Look for a V-shaped notch on the right ear. [S1]
Are puppies sterilised under the ABC programme?
Puppies under 6 months are not captured, and neither are mothers nursing pups under 2 months. [S1]
Who should I contact about a street dog problem?
Your municipal corporation. The Supreme Court directed each municipality to set up a dedicated helpline. [S2]
Sources and last checked
- [S1] Animal Welfare Board of India, ABC Handbook / Revised Module under the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 (7 February 2025) – awbi.gov.in (PDF) – Last checked: 03-10-2026
- [S2] Supreme Court of India, order dated 22 August 2025 (2025 INSC 1018), para 33 – sci.gov.in (PDF) – Last checked: 08-10-2026
- [S3] Supreme Court of India, judgment dated 19 May 2026 (2026 INSC 506), paras 75–85 and 108 – sci.gov.in (PDF) – Last checked: 08-10-2026
- [S4] Bombay High Court order of 20 March 2023 setting out Rule 20 of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 (published by AWBI) – awbi.gov.in (PDF) – Last checked: 03-10-2026
Disclaimer: PawsitiveHoomans is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with the AWBI, any municipal body or any court. This is not legal advice.