It is very unfortunate that a very important human resource has been completely overlooked and not involved by the government in implementing the ABC programme. 

Caregivers know the dogs well and without their participation hundred percent success of ABC programme is quite doubtful. 

The municipal corporation has never tried to tap this very important resource. Though their number is quite few but their contribution is immense. 

In India most of the time the caregivers because of their lack of knowledge about the ABC programme end up only being dog feeders. Not only that they hardly know their own rights as a feeder and the rights of the dogs whom they feed.

They only feed the dogs and sometimes also take care of their medical problems and when their population grows, which will sooner or later then they are both financially and physically overburdened with more mouths to feed. Along with this they also face the ire of their neighbours. They are accused of multiplying the dog population. But is it really their fault that the dogs have multiplied? 

Wouldn't they have anyway multiplied? 

What should be done?

Guidelines for caregivers and the RWA should be made which should have these important information:

1 The dog rules should be mentioned which should clearly specify that any form of cruelty towards dogs is an offence and that the dogs cannot be relocated from their place. 

2 The ABC programme is the only legal and ethical solution to control dog overpopulation. Sterilization centres responsible for each zone and area should be mentioned with their telephone numbers so that the caregiver of a particular area know which centre to contact to for getting their dogs sterilized. 

4 Caregivers should be told which dogs not to send for sterilization:

a) Sick and pregnant dogs should not be sent for Sterilization.

b) Lactating mothers should not be sent for Sterilization till their babies are at least 3 months old.

c) Young dogs below 6 months should not be sent for Sterilization. The caregivers should also ensure that the dogs are not weak and undernourished. 

d) Once dropped back after Sterilization the dogs should be given a healthy diet and if required antibioticd or medicines 

5 the cost per dog for Sterilization and rabies vaccination should be mentioned so that that the public knows that the municipal corporation / government is paying money to the centre for getting the dogs sterilized. 

6 The caregivers should be involved in annual rabies vaccination. The corporation with the help of animal welfare NGOs shoukd carry out rabies vaccination and awareness programme in residential colonies and educational institutions. 

5 Currently the corporation is bearing all the cost of Sterilization and rabies vaccination of dogs. In case the corporation is short of funds then they may make an appeal to the caregivers / RWA to share the cost of Sterilization and mention the amount which needs to be shared by the caregiver. 

Funds are very important for smooth running of the ABC programme and many times shortage of funds become the main cause for Sterilization centers for not functioning properly. 

There is no harm in bringing a public private partnership in this area. 

There are many residential colonies where the caregivers can happily contribute a part of the cost. 

If the stray dogs are community dogs then why can't the community take their responsibility and make their life and our life better.