In recent news, Punjab Province in Pakistan has officially banned dog culling, putting an end to the practice of killing stray dogs. Instead, the government is now following a kinder approach called the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Policy, which focuses on sterilizing, vaccinating, and safely returning dogs to their communities. They’ve also set up shelters and committees to make sure this is done properly. This is a big step forward for animal welfare and has many people in India curious about how dog culling is being handled here in our own country.

Growing up in India, you get used to seeing stray dogs just about everywhere. They’re there in the corners of playgrounds, sleeping under tea stalls, chasing after bikes, or quietly sitting in front of sweet shops, hoping for a treat. Some are friendly and playful, some are shy and cautious, and many are just trying to survive. For a lot of us, they’ve always been part of the background—until something tragic happens and suddenly, everyone starts asking: what do we do about stray dogs?

In recent years, there’s been a lot of public discussion about this. News of dog bites, especially when children are involved, naturally causes fear and anger. It’s heartbreaking, and people want quick solutions. In many cases, that leads to calls for mass culling—killing stray dogs to reduce their numbers. But here’s the thing: that’s not legal, and more importantly, it’s not the right path forward.

India has very clear laws that protect animals. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, passed back in 1960, makes it illegal to harm animals unnecessarily. On top of that, the Indian Constitution, through Article 51A(g), asks all citizens to show compassion towards living creatures. The Supreme Court has even ruled that stray dogs have the right to live. That’s powerful. It means we can’t just kill them because we find them inconvenient.

So what can we do? The answer lies in something called the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program. Under this system, stray dogs are caught, sterilized so they can’t have puppies, vaccinated against rabies, and then released back to the same area. This may sound simple, but it’s actually based on solid science and endorsed by the World Health Organization. When done properly, it not only brings down the dog population over time but also makes the streets safer.

But the truth is, even though the law and science are on the side of compassion, the ground reality is much more complicated. Many cities lack proper sterilization facilities. Rural areas are often left out altogether. And even in big cities, the process is slow or mismanaged. Meanwhile, overflowing garbage bins and food waste on the streets give stray dogs an endless supply of food, making it harder to control their numbers.

In moments of crisis, this leads to frustration. In 2022, there were reports from Kerala about children being attacked by dogs. Protests followed. The fear was real, and so was the heartbreak. But fear often pushes people toward rash actions. In some places, local authorities began killing dogs illegally. The Supreme Court had to intervene again, reminding everyone that culling isn’t allowed and that the humane ABC method is the only legal and ethical solution.

It’s not that people don’t care. Many do. But when someone is hurt or scared, compassion often gets overshadowed by panic. That’s why awareness is so important. We need to understand that killing stray dogs doesn’t solve the problem. In fact, it often makes it worse. When one group of dogs is killed, others move in and begin breeding again. This is called the “vacuum effect,” and it’s one of the main reasons culling doesn’t work.

In Thiruvananthapuram, for example, the number of dog bites has actually gone down over the years, from over 10,000 in 2016–17 to around 8,000 now. Yet, fear remains strong. Local leaders recently passed a plan to sterilize 2,000 dogs and build new shelters, which is a step in the right direction. But we still have a long way to go.

At the same time, there are so many people in India who quietly do the work of kindness. Animal welfare groups like PETA India, Blue Cross, and countless local NGOs step in when dogs are injured, sick, or starving. They rescue, treat, and care. Ordinary citizens feed and look after neighborhood dogs. Some even adopt them. These acts often go unnoticed, but they’re the heartbeat of a more compassionate society.

Yes, there are rare cases when euthanasia may be necessary—if a dog is suffering from rabies or is beyond recovery. But this has to be done gently, under medical supervision, and within the law. It’s not a license for mass killing. It’s about doing what’s best for the animal when there’s truly no other option.

If we really want to solve the problem, we need to do a few things. First, we have to properly fund and expand the ABC program. That means more vets, more centers, and faster operations. Second, we have to improve waste management. Open garbage attracts dogs, and as long as food is freely available on the streets, the problem will continue. Third, we need public education. Children, especially, should be taught how to act around dogs—how to be calm, kind, and careful.

We also need data. A national database to track sterilizations, dog populations, and bite cases would help cities plan better. And finally, we must encourage community involvement. When neighbors take ownership of their area’s stray dogs—feeding, watching over, and even naming them—it creates a sense of care and balance. Dogs stop being seen as threats and start being seen as fellow creatures trying to live.

This issue is not just about animals. It’s about us. It’s about what kind of people we are and what values we hold. Are we the kind of society that responds to fear with violence? Or can we be the kind that chooses understanding, even when it’s hard?

Stray dogs didn’t choose to be born on the streets. Most of them are quiet, loyal, and just want to be left alone. Some wag their tails at strangers. Others run away from anyone who gets too close. But all of them—every single one—deserve a chance to live without being hunted.

By choosing compassion, by following humane and effective solutions, India has a real opportunity to set an example for the world. This is not a problem that can be solved overnight. But with patience, planning, and a little more kindness, it’s one we can solve—with our hearts intact.

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