The Government of Maharashtra on November 26, 2026, has issued directions regarding the implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, notified earlier by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India on March 10, 2023, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. These Rules mandate humane procedures for capturing, sterilising, vaccinating, and releasing stray dogs.
The State Government notes that the core objectives of the ABC Rules, 2023 include providing scientific guidance for anti-rabies programmes, controlling stray dog populations without cruelty, and strengthening public health measures. In view of these goals, the Government has decided that the notified provisions of the ABC Rules, 2023 shall be implemented in all Panchayati Raj Institutions across rural Maharashtra.
The Government further states that the official notification is available on the authorised website of the Government of Maharashtra under Document ID 202511261744324920. This Government Resolution is hereby digitally certified and brought into force with immediate effect.
[Notification No. ZPIA-2025/Pr.Kr.78(Comp.No.1446440)/PRA-1]
