Agartala: The Tripura govt has decided to implement coordinated measures under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules of 2023 to address issues related to stray dogs and other animals, in line with Supreme Court directives.Deepa D Nair, secretary, animal resources development department, announced a comprehensive multi-department initiative focused on public safety, animal welfare and sustainable population control.Under the new regulations, sterilisation and vaccination of stray dogs will be mandatory. Municipal and local authorities will work with the animal resources development department to set up animal birth control centres and animal shelters across the state.The Agartala Municipal Corporation has inaugurated an animal birth control centre in Hapania. An animal shelter is operational in R K Nagar, and similar facilities are being developed in other municipal areas through partnerships with animal welfare organisations.For monitoring, nodal officers have been deployed at sensitive high-traffic locations including schools, hospitals, bus terminals and railway stations. The state has also introduced continuous surveillance and rapid response systems along national highways to manage stray animals and address highway safety concerns.Stray animals found on highways will be relocated to designated shelters and cowsheds with food, water and veterinary support. Dedicated helplines have been set up for the public to report stray animal-related issues.The govt is conducting awareness campaigns in schools and colleges on stray animal behaviour, disease prevention and basic first aid. Infrastructure for stray animal management is being expanded, alongside specialised training programmes for workers.
