Stray Dogs: Strict laws to remove stray dogs and cattle from the streets across the world, letting them roam freely is a crime

Posted on 23rd Aug 2025 by rohit kumar

Many countries of the world have implemented strict laws to remove stray dogs and cattle from the streets. The question is not only about people's safety, but also about animal welfare. Countries like America, Britain, Germany, Japan, and Australia have solved this problem through shelter homes, registration, and strict rules. Unlike India, there is no movement in foreign countries in support of allowing stray dogs to live on the streets. When a campaign was launched to remove or kill stray dogs in countries like Romania and Greece, local NGOs and activists protested. But their protest was also for the safety and rehabilitation of animals and not for leaving them open on the streets.

 

Under the Animal Control Law in America, it is a crime to let stray dogs and cattle roam on the streets. According to Human Society International, there are shelter homes in every city here, where the captured animals are registered, vaccinated, and taken care of. Every year, about 35 to 40 lakh dogs and cats are brought to them. Half of these animals are adopted.

 

Britain: Microchipping of every pet dog

 

In Britain, the Dogs Act 1871 and laws related to microchipping are applicable. This means that microchipping of every pet dog is mandatory so that the owner can be traced. Every year, on average, 50 to 60 thousand dogs are kept in shelters. Local councils and organizations together catch stray dogs and keep them in shelters.

 

Germany: Tax on keeping dogs

 

There is an animal shelter called Tierheim in Germany. There, registration of every dog ​​and paying tax is mandatory. If any animal is found roaming on the road, it is immediately taken to the shelter. In the Tierheim network, about 7 lakh pets and stray animals come to the shelter every year.

 

Australia: Every state has an Animal Management Act. If an abandoned animal is found on the streets, a heavy fine is imposed on the owner.

 

Singapore: Registration of any pet is mandatory, and leaving it on the road is a crime

 

Japan: Cattle cannot be seen on the roads

 

Animal welfare centers are operated in Japan. According to the report of Humane Society International, it is almost impossible to see stray dogs or cattle on the streets in Japan, because there is a solid system of shelter and rehabilitation for them. Every year, about 70 to 80 thousand dogs and cats are brought to safe places.

 

Shelter homes will have to be given priority in India, too

Animal welfare expert Dr. Arun Menon says that the biggest challenge in India is that there is a bipolar thinking about stray dogs and cattle. On one hand, citizens want protection, on the other hand, animal lovers are in favor of letting them live on the streets. If India adopts shelter-based solutions like developed countries, then this dispute can end automatically.

Other news