India
Delhi Government Told To Respond To Rabies Elimination Plan
The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi government to set out how it intends to implement an action plan aimed at eliminating rabies from stray dogs by 2030.
The case forms part of continuing judicial oversight of India’s response to stray dogs, dog bites and rabies following directions issued by the Supreme Court earlier this year. Those directions included a requirement for every district to have at least one fully functioning Animal Birth Control centre.
The court has also ordered Delhi municipal authorities to report on pilot sterilisation and vaccination programmes in selected wards. The Delhi government has been given four weeks to respond, with the case due back before the court on 5 October.
Australia
Former Labradoodle Breeders Face New Animal Welfare Charges
The former owners of Tasmanian Labradoodles are facing 12 new animal welfare charges relating to the management and care of dogs at the breeding operation.
The allegations include failing to provide appropriate veterinary treatment, inadequate sleeping conditions and protection from extreme weather, insufficient exercise and management practices alleged to have caused or risked unreasonable suffering.
The charges relate to alleged offences dating from June 2024. The case has been adjourned until 8 December after the defendants had not yet been served with the necessary court documents.
Australia
33 Dogs Seized In Three Separate Animal Welfare Investigations
Thirty-three dogs, including 14 puppies, have been seized during three separate animal welfare investigations in New South Wales.
RSPCA NSW inspectors responded to the three cases between 2 and 4 September, removing 11 dogs and puppies on each of the three days.
All 33 animals are now in RSPCA care and are undergoing veterinary assessment, with treatment and other support being provided where required. All three investigations remain ongoing.
England
15 Dogs Removed In One Of Council’s Worst Neglect Cases In 30 Years
A man has been convicted of 15 animal welfare offences after 15 German Shepherd dogs were removed from a property in Eastwood, Southend-on-Sea.
Council officers said the dogs were living without adequate food and fresh water, suitable sleeping areas, exercise or socialisation. Several were underweight and showed signs of long-term neglect, while the property was heavily contaminated with urine and faeces.
Three of the dogs were later euthanised after specialists determined the effects of their treatment meant they could not safely be rehabilitated. Most of the surviving dogs have since been rehomed, while five were transferred for specialist rehabilitation.
Southend-on-Sea City Council described the conditions as among the worst its officers had encountered in more than 30 years. Sentencing is scheduled for December.
USA
Dogs Seized After Puppies Sold By Breeder Die From Parvovirus
Police in Hoosick Falls, New York, have launched an animal abuse and neglect investigation after two puppies sold from a local property contracted canine parvovirus and died.
Police subsequently searched the property and removed four puppies and three adult dogs. Two of the puppies required emergency veterinary care.
Authorities believe other puppies may have been sold from the property in recent weeks and have asked people who purchased dogs from the area to contact police. The investigation remains ongoing.
India
States Warned After Counterfeit Rabies Vaccine Batch Identified
India’s national drug regulator has warned state authorities to increase vigilance after a counterfeit batch of the anti-rabies vaccine Abhayrab was identified.
The suspect batch was detected through samples collected in Delhi and reportedly contained packaging discrepancies including spelling errors, different fonts and an altered manufacturer logo.
The Drugs Controller General of India has instructed state regulators to increase surveillance and take regulatory action where necessary. The counterfeit batch is reported to have been distributed domestically, and four people have been arrested as part of the investigation.
The warning is particularly significant as India continues efforts to reduce human rabies deaths and expand its response to dog bites and rabies prevention.