{
  "id": 864939,
  "title": "Bombay HC Pushes Maharashtra Govt To Aggressively Implement ABC Programme To Control Stray Dog Menace",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/bombay-hc-pushes-maharashtra-govt-to-aggressively-implement-abc",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-14T11:27:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bombay-hc-pushes-maharashtra-govt-to-aggressively-implement-abc-programme-to-control-stray-dog-menace"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Friday, the Bombay High Court instructed the Maharashtra government to aggressively implement the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, citing its crucial role in managing the stray dog population and curbing dog bites and rabies. The court's decision came after a suo motu petition was filed, prompted by the Supreme Court's instructions to high courts to keep a watch on stray dog issues and dog-bite cases in their respective states. During the hearing, the Additional Government Pleader O A Chandurkar presented several affidavits on behalf of the state, stating that the ABC programme was one of the measures being taken to address the issue. However, the bench highlighted the need for large-scale and effective sterilisation of adult dogs rather than merely trying to catch more stray animals. Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge emphasized that if the ABC programme were implemented comprehensively, it would prevent the growth of the stray dog population altogether. The court stressed the importance of stopping the birth of new puppies to tackle the root of the problem and recommended that once the population is under control, authorities can then focus on other aspects such as rabies prevention and proper management of the remaining dogs. The bench also requested information on the frequency with which rabies case data, medicines, and other relevant information was updated on the state government's website. Senior advocate Mihir Desai was appointed as amicus curiae to assist the court. The high court directed the state to submit updated information and compliance details at each hearing. The court also emphasized the need for ongoing monitoring of the issue, considering the rising number of dog-related incidents. The Supreme Court had directed high courts to address the stray dog problem after observing its serious nature and poor implementation of the ABC framework. The High Court has reserved the matter for further hearing on September 11.",
  "summary": "Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Friday directed the Maharashtra government to aggressively implement of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, observing that controlling the growing stray dog population was central to addressing the problem of dog attacks and rabies. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad was hearing a suo motu petition initiated following…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}