ABC needs capacity

The Jammu and Kashmir government’s decision to nominate 11 officers and officials for specialised training under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programme is a timely step towards addressing one of the most persistent urban challenges. Stray dog management has long remained a public concern, affecting public safety, sanitation and animal welfare alike. Strengthening institutional capacity through structured training is therefore a practical and necessary intervention. The programme gains significance because it follows the Supreme Court’s directions on the effective implementation of the Animal Birth Control framework. Trained veterinarians, para-veterinary staff and dog catchers are essential for carrying out sterilisation and vaccination drives in a scientific, humane and legally compliant manner. Building dedicated teams at the Urban Local Body and district levels can help replace ad hoc responses with a more organised system. However, training alone will not solve the problem. Its success will depend on how quickly the newly trained personnel are integrated into field operations and whether adequate infrastructure, equipment, veterinary facilities and financial resources are made available. Sterilisation centres, proper shelters, reliable transport and sustained monitoring are indispensable if the programme is to achieve measurable outcomes. Urban Local Bodies must also ensure that awareness campaigns accompany field interventions. Responsible waste management, public participation and coordination with animal welfare organisations are equally important in reducing stray dog populations over the long term. Without these complementary measures, even well-trained teams may struggle to make a lasting impact. The government’s initiative reflects an acknowledgment that the issue demands professional expertise rather than temporary measures. The real test, however, lies beyond the classroom. Effective implementation, adequate funding and consistent follow-up will determine whether this training translates into safer neighbourhoods, better public health and humane treatment of animals. A sustained, science-based approach remains the only durable solution.