The Supreme Court has outlined procedures for managing stray dogs, with a particular emphasis on identifying and handling those infected with rabies or exhibiting aggressive behavior. The court’s order directs officials to sterilize, deworm, and vaccinate stray dogs before returning them to their original habitats, except for those displaying dangerous characteristics. The process of identifying rabid dogs in India is regulated by legal stipulations, municipal rules, and local administrative guidelines.
The Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules enable the identification and isolation of dogs suspected of rabies. Local authorities are permitted to act upon their own assessments or based on complaints received. The identification of rabid dogs is typically based on their behavior and physical symptoms. Authorities and veterinary experts receive specific training to detect these conditions, including signs such as heightened aggression, alterations in barking, excessive drooling or foaming, uncoordinated movements, disorientation, a dropped jaw, and a vacant stare.