Animal Welfare and Human Health: Rising Conflicts over Stray Dogs in Chandigarh

Abstract

India’s large stray dog population, estimated to be about 25 million, poses substantial risks to human health, motivating some civic bodies to employ cruel methods to control dog populations. This article argues that while human health is certainly a priority, it is also important to consider animal welfare and to handle dog population control measures without causing unnecessary animal suffering. Triangulating the issues of rabies control, dog population management and state intervention, the article identifies recent practical difficulties in local management of dog population control laws and policies in India’s model city of Chandigarh. Based on a survey of local opinions, this shows how rising human–animal conflicts require new ways of handling existing challenges.