‘All states must replicate Lko’sanimal birth control model’

Lucknow: Animal rights activists have praised the Lucknow model of Animal Birth Control (ABC) and have suggested that all the states should adopt it to put in place a scientific and humane way to reduce human-dog conflict instead of confining stray dogs in shelters.During ‘Pinjra Tod' rally on Sunday, animal welfare activist Gauri Maulekhi said the law already provides a clear framework — sterilise, vaccinate and release. She added that decisions should be based on technical facts and ground realities, not emotion or pressure.Another activist, Ambika Shukla, questioned the reliability of current data and urged that courts to rely on verified scientific evidence.Advocate Pricuval Billimoria said sterilisation was the only lasting solution. "Coverage in most areas is around 30%, while studies recommend at least 70% in the first round for visible impact," he said.Dr Vivek Biswas said rabies prevention depends on vaccination and preparedness.According to officials, field surveys show a decline in dog bite incidents and fewer stray puppies on streets, indicating the impact of sterilisation.A monitoring committee headed by principal secretary, urban local bodies, reviews progress every three months. "The state presented this model before the Supreme Court which acknowledged it as effective," an official said.