In a significant move to deal with the increasing number of stray dogs, the Gujarat government has approved a ₹70 crore Animal Birth Control (ABC) plan to set up dog sterilisation centres across the state. Under the proposal, every municipal corporation, municipality and municipal council will have its own ABC centre.
#ExpressGujarat | Sterilisation centres across state: #Gujarat’s ₹70 crore plan to end stray dog menace@2ritusharma reports:https://t.co/EmUwlRs4Rk
— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) February 4, 2026
Currently, neutering centres for dogs are available in only eight municipal corporations. Ahmedabad and Vadodara have two centres each, while Surat, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Junagadh, and Gandhinagar have one each. The latest move is expected to bridge this gap and provide better coverage in both urban and semi-urban areas.
This comes after the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, were notified by the Centre on 10th March, 2023, to counter the rising number of stray dogs in municipal areas. In a bid to monitor the implementation of these rules, the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department formed an eight-member review committee in January this year. The first meeting of the committee took place on 30th January.
According to a Government Resolution issued on 9th January, the committee has been formed to closely review how effectively the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, and related guidelines are being followed in municipal corporations and municipalities, especially in connection with stray animals and stray dogs.
Komal Bhatt, Joint Secretary in the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department, said the plan to set up sterilisation centres across districts and local bodies will play a key role in controlling the stray dog population.
She said these steps are in line with the guidelines of the Supreme Court of India, where the issue of stray dogs is currently being heard.
Bhatt also said that a budget of Rs 70 crore has been proposed under the ABC programme. In the first phase, 33 sterilisation centres will be developed.
This includes the existing eight centres, nine new ones to cover all municipal corporations, including newly created ones and 18 centres in nagarpalikas and districts, including the recently formed Vav-Tharad district.
Over time, more centres will be added, and some areas may have more than one facility.
Sterilisation work in Gujarat is being carried out now with the help of animal welfare NGOs. The process includes catching stray dogs, conducting surgery, and providing post-operative care, as laid down under the ABC rules.
The review committee’s work will mainly focus on building infrastructure such as sterilisation centres, handling and seizure of stray dogs, and managing the daily cost of maintaining animals kept at these facilities. The committee has been asked to submit its recommendations within two months to help ensure smooth and effective implementation of the rules across the state.
