Jodhpur, like many cities in Rajasthan, has a significant population of stray dogs, cats, and other animals that share our streets and neighborhoods. These animals are part of our community fabric, yet many face hunger, disease, injuries, and the dangers of traffic and human conflict. We are deeply committed to the welfare of all animals, not just those with homes.

This guide is for every compassionate citizen of Jodhpur who wants to help but may not know where to start. Whether you can spare time, resources, or simply knowledge, every contribution matters in creating a more humane city for all living beings.

The State of Stray Animals in Jodhpur

India is home to an estimated 35–40 million stray dogs, and Rajasthan has one of the highest concentrations. Jodhpur's warm climate, open food sources, and urban sprawl create conditions where stray populations can grow rapidly without proper management.

Strays commonly face a lack of regular food and clean water, exposure to extreme desert heat and cold, traffic accidents and injuries, diseases like mange, parvovirus, and distemper, and human-animal conflict. Community action helps by reducing conflict, controlling population humanely through ABC, preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases, and protecting vulnerable animals from suffering.

ABC (Animal Birth Control) Program

The ABC program is the most effective and humane approach to managing stray animal populations. Mandated by the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, it involves sterilizing and vaccinating stray dogs and returning them to their territory: animals are humanely caught, undergo spay or neuter surgery by qualified veterinarians, receive anti-rabies and other essential vaccinations, and are released back to their original territory after recovery, marked with a small V-notch on the ear to identify them as sterilized.

You can support ABC in your neighborhood by reporting unsterilized strays to local ABC centers or welfare organizations, helping with post-operative care by providing a safe recovery space, educating neighbors about its importance and legality, donating to organizations running ABC drives, and volunteering during camps.

How to Safely Feed Stray Animals

Feeding stray animals is an act of compassion that is also protected by law. However, it should be done responsibly to maintain hygiene, avoid conflicts with neighbors, and keep the animals healthy.

Good foods

  • Cooked rice mixed with dal or vegetables
  • Boiled chicken or eggs (for dogs)
  • Roti soaked in milk or curd
  • Commercial dry dog or cat food
  • Always provide clean, fresh water

What to avoid

  • Chocolate, onions, grapes, or garlic
  • Spicy or heavily salted food
  • Bones that can splinter, like cooked chicken bones
  • Spoiled or expired food
  • Raw meat, due to parasite risk

Feed at a fixed time and place to build routine, clean up leftover food and bowls afterward, choose a spot that doesn't block pedestrians or traffic, be mindful of neighbors, and keep water bowls topped up during summer.

Identifying Sick or Injured Strays

Knowing when a stray animal needs medical attention can save lives. Signs of illness include severe hair loss or mange, discharge from the eyes, nose, or mouth, limping or inability to walk, visible wounds or swelling, extreme lethargy, or unusual aggression from a normally calm animal.

If you spot these signs, don't attempt to handle an animal that seems aggressive; instead contact a local rescue organization or call a veterinarian for guidance, provide water and shade while waiting for help, and note the location to share with rescue teams.

Connecting Strays with Veterinary Care

We believe every animal deserves access to medical care. Our community programs include emergency treatment for injured strays brought to our clinic, vaccination support during community drives, sterilization services as part of the ABC program, mange and skin treatment, and guidance and referrals for community members who find sick animals.

If you find a stray that needs treatment, call the clinic before arriving so we can prepare, transport the animal safely using a box, carrier, or vehicle, and share any history you know. If the animal can't be moved, describe the situation over the phone. If cost is a concern, discuss options with our team — we work with welfare organizations.

Vaccination Drives and Their Importance

Vaccination drives are critical for controlling rabies and other infectious diseases in the stray population. India accounts for a large share of global rabies deaths, and mass vaccination of stray dogs is the most effective way to reduce this threat. Key vaccines include the anti-rabies vaccine, DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvo, parainfluenza), deworming treatments, and mange treatment with ivermectin injections.

You can get involved by volunteering at vaccination camps, helping identify unvaccinated strays in your area, sponsoring drives in your colony, or simply spreading awareness about rabies prevention.

How to Foster or Adopt a Stray

Adopting a stray animal is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Indian strays, often called "desi" or "Indie" dogs, are known for their intelligence, loyalty, resilience, and natural adaptation to our climate — they're generally healthier with fewer genetic disorders than purebreds, highly trainable, and lower maintenance to groom.

Before bringing one home, spend time with the animal to assess temperament, get a full vet checkup, ensure vaccinations are up to date, and spay or neuter to prevent unwanted litters. Prepare a safe, comfortable space at home, be patient — strays may take weeks to adjust to indoor living — and register for a municipal license and ID tag.

Legal Aspects of Animal Welfare in Rajasthan

Indian law provides strong protections for animals, including strays. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 makes cruelty to any animal a punishable offense; the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2001 mandate ABC programs and prohibit killing stray dogs; and IPC Sections 428 and 429 punish killing or maiming animals. Courts have also repeatedly upheld the right of citizens to feed stray animals, and the Rajasthan Municipal Act provides local provisions for animal welfare and ABC implementation.

Poisoning, beating, or killing stray animals; relocating stray dogs from their territory; preventing others from feeding strays in public spaces; abandoning a pet on the streets; and operating unauthorized shelters without proper care standards are all illegal under Indian law.

Community Organizations and Resources

Jodhpur has a growing network of animal welfare organizations and compassionate individuals working together to improve the lives of stray animals. You can get involved by joining local animal welfare WhatsApp groups, volunteering at rescue organizations, becoming a neighborhood animal guardian, organizing vaccination camps in your colony, or starting a community feeding program.

Useful contacts include local ABC centers for sterilization and vaccination, our clinic for medical emergencies, the Jodhpur Municipal Corporation's animal welfare cell, the AWBI (Animal Welfare Board of India) helpline, and online platforms for adoption and rehoming.

You do not have to rescue every animal yourself. Simply providing a bowl of water during summer, reporting an injured animal, or teaching a child kindness toward animals creates a ripple effect of compassion that can transform our community.