Addressing Street Dog Overpopulation: Embracing Animal Birth Control for a Safer Society

It has always been impossible to ignore dogs in our lives since they elicit such a wide spectrum of emotions in people. However, the country’s towns and municipalities have faced a number of difficulties as a result of the rise in the number of street dogs in recent years. Unfortunately, some detractors have labelled efforts to regulate animal reproduction as a failure, exhibiting pessimism that is both malicious and misinformed.

Attacks by Stray Dogs in India

The number of stray dogs in cities has dramatically increased; according to the official 2019 livestock census, there were 1.5 crore of them.

Independent estimations, however, place the figure at about 6.2 crore.

Between 2012 and 2020, the number of dog bites has simultaneously doubled.

Experts agree there may be a correlation between urbanisation and solid waste production, made visible due to the mismanagement of waste disposal.

Tepid animal birth control programmes and insufficient rescue centres, in conjunction with poor waste management, result in a proliferation of street animals in India.

Reasons behind

Poor waste management: Inadequate waste disposal facilities and the mismanagement of solid waste often lead to the congregation of stray dogs around garbage dumps and landfills, where they scavenge for food.

Unplanned urbanization: The population boom in Indian cities has led to a sharp increase in the stray dog population. Rapid urbanization has led to the creation of slums and unmanaged solid waste, which attract dogs.

Lack of food and shelter: The availability of food and shelter determines the carrying capacity of a city. In the absence of these facilities, free-ranging dogs become scavengers that forage around for food, eventually gravitating towards exposed garbage dumping sites.

Territoriality: Stray dogs often become territorial and aggressive about public spaces where they are fed, leading to increased attacks on humans.

Improper sterilization and rescue centres: Tepid animal birth control programmes and insufficient rescue centres, in conjunction with poor waste management, result in a proliferation of street animals in India.

Shortcomings of animal birth control

Inconsistent Implementation: One of the main challenges is the inconsistent implementation of animal birth control programs across different regions. The effectiveness of these programs can vary depending on the commitment and resources allocated by local authorities.

Limited Coverage: Animal birth control programs may not cover all areas affected by street dog overpopulation. Some regions may have inadequate resources or insufficient awareness about the benefits of sterilization programs.

Funding Constraints: Insufficient funding can hinder the implementation and sustainability of animal birth control programs. Limited financial resources may result in a shortage of trained personnel, inadequate infrastructure, and reduced outreach efforts.

Resistance from Communities: Some communities may resist animal birth control initiatives due to misconceptions, cultural beliefs, or lack of awareness. Overcoming these barriers requires targeted community engagement, education, and dispelling myths surrounding sterilization programs.

Behavioral Challenges: Animal birth control programs often face challenges related to capturing street dogs, performing surgeries, and post-operative care. Behavioral issues, such as fear or aggression, can make the process more challenging.

Long-term Sustainability: Ensuring the long-term sustainability of animal birth control programs is crucial. These programs require continued investment, monitoring, and evaluation to maintain their effectiveness.

Misconceptions surrounding Animal Birth Control (ABC) programs

Ineffectiveness of Sterilization: Some people believe that sterilization does not effectively control street dog populations. They may argue that sterilized dogs can still reproduce or that the impact of sterilization is minimal. However, numerous studies and successful implementation of ABC programs worldwide have shown that sterilization is a proven method.

Cruelty or Harm to Animals: There is a misconception that sterilization surgeries are cruel and cause unnecessary harm to animals. However, ABC programs prioritize the health and welfare of animals, and sterilization is a safe and humane procedure performed under anesthesia by trained veterinarians.

Abandonment of Dogs: Some people believe that sterilized dogs are more likely to be abandoned by their owners or that sterilization leads to behavioral changes that make dogs less desirable as pets. However, sterilization has no negative impact on a dog’s behavior or loyalty.

Cost Inefficiency: It is sometimes claimed that sterilization programs are expensive and not cost-effective. However, the long-term benefits of ABC programs, such as reduced costs associated with managing stray dogs, decreased risks of dog bites, and improved public health, outweigh the initial investment.

Neglect of Other Issues: Some individuals argue that focusing on animal birth control diverts attention and resources from other pressing issues, such as poverty or healthcare. However, addressing street dog overpopulation through ABC programs is not mutually exclusive with addressing societal challenges.

Way ahead: A call for change

Strengthen Implementation: Efforts should be made to strengthen the implementation of Animal Birth Control (ABC) programs across all regions. This includes standardizing processes, improving infrastructure, and ensuring uniformity in the application of ABC rules and guidelines.

Increase Awareness and Education: Public awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate communities about responsible pet ownership, the benefits of sterilization, and how to coexist peacefully with street dogs.

Community Engagement: Engaging with local communities is vital to garner support and address concerns surrounding street dogs. Building trust, involving community leaders, and working collaboratively to develop solutions can help foster positive relationships and encourage responsible pet ownership practices.

Research and Data Collection: Continued research and data collection are essential to evaluate the impact of ABC programs, track population trends, and understand the dynamics of street dog issues. This data can inform evidence-based decision-making, facilitate targeted interventions, and support the refinement of strategies.

Strengthen Legislation and Policies: Reviewing and updating existing legislation related to animal welfare and responsible pet ownership can help create a more conducive environment for effective street dog management.

Strengthen Collaboration and Partnerships: Collaboration among government bodies, animal welfare organizations, veterinary professionals, and community stakeholders is crucial. Partnerships can help pool resources, expertise, and funding, leading to more impactful interventions and sustainable outcomes.

Long-Term Sustainability: Ensuring the long-term sustainability of street dog management programs requires continued funding, monitoring, and evaluation. Governments, philanthropic organizations, and individuals should allocate resources and support initiatives that prioritize the welfare of both humans and animals.

International Best Practices: Learning from successful street dog management programs implemented in other countries can provide valuable insights and guidance. Adopting international best practices, adapting them to local contexts, and sharing knowledge and experiences can contribute to more effective strategies.

Unveiling Nigeria’s Complex Reality: Balancing Progress and Persistent Challenges

On May 29, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was sworn in as Nigeria’s 16th Executive President, cementing a quarter-century of uninterrupted constitutional democracy in the continent’s most populous country. Despite this success, Nigeria continues to encounter obstacles that prevent it from reaching its socioeconomic potential. Progress is nonetheless hampered by unrest, excessive unemployment, corruption, and poor infrastructure.

What does Yin-Yang Moment mean?

The phrase “Yin-and-Yang Moment” refers to a state of equilibrium between two opposing forces.

A key idea in Chinese philosophy, Yin and Yang is frequently utilised to explain the natural world. The two opposing forces in the Yin-Yang Moment could be anything, from social advancement and political instability to economic prosperity and security threats.

In the context of Nigeria, this could refer to the country’s growing economy and its ongoing security challenges.

What are the persistent Challenges for Nigeria?

Insecurity: Nigeria has long grappled with various security challenges, including Boko Haram insurgency, mass kidnappings, ethnic conflicts, and petty robberies. These security issues undermine social stability, economic growth, and investor confidence.

High Unemployment: Nigeria faces a significant unemployment crisis, particularly among its youth population. The lack of job opportunities and underemployment contribute to social unrest, poverty, and hinder overall economic development.

Corruption: Corruption remains a pervasive problem in Nigeria, affecting various sectors, including politics, business, and public services. Rampant corruption erodes public trust, hampers development efforts, and undermines effective governance.

Poverty and Education Gap: Nigeria has the largest number of people living below the poverty line globally, with a significant portion being children. Access to quality education remains limited, resulting in a high number of out-of-school children, hindering their future prospects and perpetuating the cycle of poverty.

Energy and Infrastructure Deficit: Nigeria struggles with inadequate infrastructure, particularly in the power sector. Despite efforts, the country’s power generation capacity remains insufficient to meet the demands of its growing population and economy. Insufficient infrastructure in transportation, healthcare, and other sectors further limits development opportunities.

Oil Sector Challenges: Nigeria heavily relies on oil exports for revenue, but the sector faces numerous challenges. Oil theft, bunkering, and operational inefficiencies in refineries contribute to revenue loss and hinder the development of a sustainable and diversified economy.

Governance and Political Instability: Nigeria has experienced political instability and governance challenges in the past. Effective governance, transparency, and accountability are crucial for addressing socio-economic issues and fostering sustainable development.

Proposed Solutions to address these challenges

Enhancing Security: Implement comprehensive security measures to address the various security challenges Nigeria faces. This includes strengthening law enforcement agencies, improving intelligence gathering and sharing, enhancing border control, and investing in counter-terrorism efforts.

Job Creation and Economic Growth: Promote an enabling business environment to stimulate economic growth and job creation. This involves reducing bureaucratic hurdles, providing incentives for entrepreneurship, and fostering a conducive environment for local and foreign investments.

Anti-Corruption Measures: Implement robust anti-corruption initiatives to tackle corruption at all levels of society. Whistleblower protection mechanisms can encourage reporting of corruption and help in its prevention.

Education and Poverty Alleviation: Prioritize investments in education and skills development, ensuring access to quality education for all children. Addressing the education gap and reducing the number of out-of-school children will improve human capital development and empower individuals to break the cycle of poverty.

Infrastructure Development: Invest in critical infrastructure, including power generation, transportation networks, healthcare facilities, and water and sanitation systems. Public-private partnerships can mobilize resources and expertise to bridge infrastructure gaps.

Diversification of the Economy: Reduce dependence on oil exports by promoting economic diversification. Encourage sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and information technology to contribute significantly to the economy.

Governance Reforms: Strengthen governance institutions, promote transparency, and ensure accountability at all levels of government. Enhance public service delivery, streamline bureaucratic processes, and foster citizen participation in decision-making. Strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law will contribute to stability, effective governance, and socio-economic development.

Centre hikes Kharif crop Minimum Support Price (MSPs)

The Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 17 kharif crops and variations has been established by the Centre.

Describe MSP.

The MSP guarantees farmers a fixed price for their crops that is far higher than their production expenses.

MSP, on the other hand, has no legal support. Contrary to PDS-subsidized grains, access to it is not a right for farmers.

They are not entitled to demand it. The only thing that falls within administrative decision-making is a government policy.

Based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), the Centre now establishes MSPs for 23 agricultural commodities.

Fixing MSPs

When recommending the MSP for a product, the CACP took into account a number of criteria, including the cost of cultivation.

It also takes into account the supply and demand situation for the commodity; market price trends (domestic and global) and parity vis-à-vis other crops; and implications for consumers (inflation), environment (soil and water use) and terms of trade between agriculture and non-agriculture sectors.

What changed with the 2018 budget?

The Budget for 2018-19 announced that MSPs would henceforth be fixed at 1.5 times of the production costs for crops as a “pre-determined principle”.

Simply put, the CACP’s job now was only to estimate production costs for a season and recommend the MSPs by applying the 1.5-times formula.

How was this production cost arrived at?

The CACP projects three kinds of production cost for every crop, both at the state and all-India average levels.

‘A2’ covers all paid-out costs directly incurred by the farmer — in cash and kind — on seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, hired labor, leased-in land, fuel, irrigation, etc.

‘A2+FL’ includes A2 plus an imputed value of unpaid family labor.

‘C2’ is a more comprehensive cost that factors in rentals and interest forgone on owned land and fixed capital assets, on top of A2+FL.

How much produce can the government procure at MSP?

The MSP value of the total production of the 23 crops worked out to around Rs 10.78 lakh crore in 2019-20.

Not all this produce, however, is marketed. Farmers retain part of it for self-consumption, the seed for the next season’s sowing, and also for feeding their animals.

The marketed surplus ratio for different crops is estimated to range differently for various crops.

It ranges from below 50% for ragi and 65-70% for bajra (pearl millet) and jawar (sorghum) to 75% for wheat, 80% for paddy, 85% for sugarcane, 90% for most pulses, and 95%-plus for cotton, soybean, etc.

Taking an average of 75% would yield a number of just over Rs 8 lakh crore.

This is the MSP value of production that is the marketable surplus — which farmers actually sell.

Nature of MSP

There is currently no statutory backing for these prices, nor any law mandating their enforcement.

Farmers demand over legalization

Legal entitlement: There is a demand that MSP based on a C2+50% formula should be made a legal entitlement for all agricultural produce.

Private traders’ responsibility: Some says that most of the cost should be borne by private traders, noting that both middlemen and corporate giants are buying commodities at low rates from farmers.

Mandatory purchase at MSP: A left-affiliated farm union has suggested a law that simply stipulates that no one — neither the Government nor private players — will be allowed to buy at a rate lower than MSP.

Surplus payment by the govt.: Other unions have said that if private buyers fail to purchase their crops, the Government must be prepared to buy out the entire surplus at MSP rates.

Expansion of C2: Farm unions are demanding that C2 must also include capital assets and the rentals and interest forgone on owned land as recommended by the National Commission for Farmers.

Demographic Advantage: India vs. China

Central Idea: Pew Survey Report

• The current median age in India is 28, compared to China’s 39, indicating India’s demographic advantage will persist until the end of the century.
• China’s youth population is declining, and the aging population is rising, leading to concerns about employment and stability.

Demographic Advantage for India

The current median age of 28 in India signifies a young population, which brings several advantages:

Demographic advantage: A young population contributes to economic growth and development.

Productive workforce: With a large working-age population, India has the potential for a productive workforce.

Long-term economic growth: The young population offers a demographic dividend for sustained economic growth with investments in education, skills, and job creation.

Market potential: The young population represents a significant consumer market, stimulating economic activity.

Addressing societal challenges: Opportunities arise to address education, healthcare, and social welfare needs among the youth.

India’s Edge over China

(1) Job Market

Graduates facing difficulty finding employment: A large number of college and university graduates in China struggle to secure jobs, facing job market challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact of the pandemic on employment: COVID-19 lockdowns and layoffs in key sectors have negatively affected China’s job market, particularly for the “post-’00s” generation who grew up during rapid economic growth.

(2) Urban Joblessness

Rising joblessness among young urbanites: One out of every five young urbanites in China is without work, leading to a growing problem of joblessness.

Official jobless rate for urban youth: China’s National Bureau of Statistics reported a 19.9% jobless rate for urban youth aged 16 to 24 in July, the highest since the release of youth employment data in 2018.

Factors Contributing to China’s job market challenges

Supply-demand contradiction: China’s economic growth decline and the impact of COVID-19 have created a supply-demand contradiction in the job market.

Issues with the education sector: Some argue that the problem lies within China’s education sector, and finding jobs for educated youth has become a perennial crisis.

Shifting focus to qualitative growth: Despite China’s focus shifting from quantitative to qualitative growth, the challenge of employment for educated youth persists.

Where does India stand?

Challenges for school leavers and graduates: India faces challenges with school leavers, liberal arts graduates, and engineers from low-grade colleges who struggle to find employment.

Shortage of specific skilled personnel: While facing a surplus of certain graduates, India experiences a shortage of skilled workers in various fields, such as plumbing, electrical work, and artisanal crafts.