16/10/2026
CALL FOR A NATIONAL ANIMAL BIRTH CONTROL (ABC) CAMP PROTOCOL IN NEPAL
This is how most of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) campaigns are being conducted across Nepal—inhumanely, irresponsibly and without adequate transparency, accountability or monitoring. And who suffers the most? The very community animals who have done nothing wrong, who cannot speak for themselves and whose suffering is too often ignored.
What we witnessed in yesterday's ABC camp was deeply disturbing.
1. Dogs were being kept in small, congested, poorly ventilated spaces, crowded together and piled upon one another. The conditions raised serious concerns about their safety, recovery and basic welfare.
When we arrived in the morning, the people involved became unavailable for several hours. Instead of receiving straightforward answers, we were left waiting for approximately four to five hours. Later the organisers refused to address any of our concern for the animals.
2. We even offered to arrange food and water for the dogs during their post-operative recovery, solely for the sake of their welfare. However, our offer of assistance was refused. Given the severely congested space, we requested that the dogs at least be kept until they had regained consciousness, allowing a minimum of six hours for recovery. The authorities assured us that our request would be respected.
Despite this assurance, later our volunteer was asked to leave the premises and he had to monitor the release from outside the gate sitting on the roadside. To our shock, the surgeries were completed at approximately 5:30 p.m., and the dogs were released by 6:30 p.m.—less than one hour later.
This raises grave concerns about whether the dogs had adequately recovered from anaesthesia before release. Such disregard for basic recovery needs is unacceptable and demands an impartial investigation.
3. Even more concerning, one of our volunteers was asked by a local authority whether a veterinary technician was legally permitted to perform surgery on dogs. This raised a fundamental question about whether those responsible for the campaign understood the professional qualifications and legal scope of practice required for surgical procedures.
From approximately 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., only one veterinary doctor was present at the camp, who was also the organiser. When questioned, we were told that the other two doctors had temporarily gone elsewhere. There have also been incidents of veterinary technicians performing surgeries in outlying areas. Is this legally permitted? Who verifies the qualifications of those performing surgeries, and who monitors their work? We urge the Nepal Veterinary Council to investigate and clarify the professional and legal requirements to ensure accountability and animal safety.
Let us be absolutely clear: we did not go there to obstruct the ABC campaign. We went there to seek information and raise concerns for the animals. Our only intention was to ensure that these voiceless beings were being treated humanely and that the campaign was being conducted according to appropriate scientific and veterinary standards.
Why should asking questions about animal welfare be treated as a problem?
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of responsible dog population management. India's Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, also establish requirements for post-operative care, veterinary supervision and humane handling. Dogs must be monitored during recovery and kept in appropriate, well-ventilated facilities until they have recovered sufficiently from anaesthesia. Post-operative care must provide adequate observation, treatment, food, water and protection from injury and infection.
Nepal urgently needs a National ABC Protocol.
We have been advocating for a comprehensive national protocol because animal birth control campaigns cannot be effective when standards are unclear, implementation is inconsistent and monitoring is inadequate.
Government agencies must not simply allocate funds and assume that the work is being done properly. They must ensure that the prescribed standards are followed and that the outcomes justify the expenditure, the public fund.
Nepal has set an ambitious goal of eliminating human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
If ABC campaigns continue without adequate standards, monitoring, and accountability, how can we expect them to deliver their intended results?
We happened to come across this camp by chance. What we witnessed was deeply concerning. But how many other camps are operating under similar conditions, away from public scrutiny? How many animals are suffering silently while the people responsible remain unaccountable?
We cannot continue to look away.
Community dogs are not disposable objects. Public funds are not anyone's private resources. And animal welfare cannot depend on the goodwill of individuals when enforceable standards and proper oversight are needed.
