Overview of the Stray Animals in India and Their Regulation

Overpopulation of stray animals is a significant public health and animal welfare issue in India. Neglected zoonotic illnesses spread through stray animals and humans, especially in low- and middle-income nations. Stray animals often breed uncontrolled because they do not rely on humans for food or shelter. Uncontrolled stray animal breeding increases their population, increasing the risk of predation, road traffic accidents, and the transfer of zoonotic diseases, making them vectors for certain diseases. Stray animal population management strategies vary based on the situation and type of animals. These methods include contraception, trap-neuter-return, poisoning, euthanasia, and gun firing, among others. To properly monitor and control the stray animal population, it's vital to educate the community about the challenges that free-roaming animals cause and provide methods to alleviate them.