NMC okayed stray dog collars a yr ago, now wants them removed despite ABC nod

Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has directed sanitary inspectors of solid waste management department in all 10 zones to identify collared stray dogs and remove their collars.
The move has been opposed by 36 animal rights activists led by advocate Ankita Shah who say collars are permissible in animal birth control (ABC) rules and NMC itself has allowed them last year.
“A circular has been issued to all 10 zones to identify collared stray dogs and verify whether they are pet or stray. Then, they will ensure removal of collars with help of dog squad,” NMC veterinary officer Dr Gajendra Mahalle told TOI.
The circular was issued on November 29 and the zones are yet to identify collared stray dogs.
On November 23, the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court had directed NMC to check whether any stray dogs have been unauthorizedly collared and if so, remove their collars forthwith and later on deal with them in accordance with the law. “A compliance report be submitted on the next date (December 7),” the HC ordered.
In a letter sent to NMC on Sunday, Shah, said, “ABC rules allowed collars to identify sterilized dogs. NMC cannot catch sterilized dogs. Last month, NMC captured 26 stray dogs of which 19 were sterilized. The sterilized dogs lacked collars. NMC is free to redress complaints relating to community dogs in accordance with law,” she said.
Shah added that nylon fibre reflective or non-reflective collars/belts play a very important role in ensuring safety of animals as well as citizens driving on roads. “Dog lovers spend money on collars as well as feeding, sterilizing, vaccinating, treatment etc of stray dogs. The collars/belts glow in the dark. Drivers spot collared dogs on the road from a safe distance and control their vehicle etc,” she said.
The activists urged the NMC not to remove the collars as it will lead to cruelty to animals as the civic body might again capture neutered ones for ABC. “The NMC should submit before the HC provisions of ABC rules and purpose of collars,” they said.
They also urged the Animal Welfare Board of India to acknowledge and issue appropriate directions, guidelines or advisories to NMC.
IN A NUTSHELL
Rule No. 8 of ABC rules 2001 | Sterilized dogs should either be clipped and/or tattooed for identification. In addition, the dogs may be given token or nylon collars
Importance of collars | According to ministry of road transport and highways’ study, accidents involving stray animals take place at night as they are visible due to the darkness
NMC Nod | NMC on December 24, 2021, allowed dog collars following RAD Bahuddeshiya Sanstha’s plea to CMO
Animal Welfare | Dogs may not get immediate medical treatment, suffer in pain or even die after being hit by vehicles
Activists’ allegations | Collaring seems to have been twisted and newly named and termed as ‘authorization’. Nylon fibre reflective collars too are being misconstrued by petitioner and intervener (Dhantoli Nagrik Mandal) deliberately to misguide court