TRAINING MANUAL FOR DOG CATCHERS for Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programme – India
- INTRODUCTION
Street dog catching under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programme is a skilled, humane, and responsible activity. Dog catchers are frontline workers whose actions directly impact animal welfare, public safety, and the success of the ABC programme.
This manual is designed to train, guide, and standardise the work of dog catchers across India, in accordance with:
Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001 (and amendments)
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960
Guidelines of AWBI & Urban Local Bodies
- OBJECTIVES OF THIS MANUAL
To ensure humane capture of street dogs
To minimise stress, injury, and fear in dogs
To protect dog catchers and the public
To standardise ethical and scientific catching methods
To improve efficiency and professionalism of ABC teams
- ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES OF A DOG CATCHER
3.1 Key Responsibilities
Catch street dogs without cruelty
Follow instructions of Veterinary Officer/Supervisor
Use only approved catching equipment
Ensure safe transport of dogs to ABC centres
Maintain accurate field records
Communicate respectfully with the public
3.2 Professional Conduct
Patience and calm behaviour
Respect for animals and community
No intoxication or misconduct on duty
Maintain hygiene and discipline
- BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF DOG BEHAVIOUR
4.1 Common Street Dog Behaviours
Behaviour Meaning
Tail wagging Friendly or curious
Growling Fear or warning
Bared teeth Aggression
Cowering Extreme fear
Barking Alert, fear, or territorial
Understanding behaviour helps in choosing the correct catching method.
- PERSONAL SAFETY & PROTECTIVE MEASURES
5.1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Thick gloves
Full-sleeve clothing
Boots or closed footwear
Mask (as required)
5.2 Safety Rules
Never work alone
Maintain safe distance
Avoid sudden movements
Always have an escape route
- EQUIPMENT USED IN DOG CATCHING
6.1 Approved Equipment
Catch/Control pole
Soft dog catching nets
Transport crates (ventilated, lockable)
Towels/blankets
Food/treats
First-aid kit
6.2 Equipment Handling
Inspect before use
Clean and disinfect daily
Do not use damaged tools
- PRE-CAPTURE PREPARATION
7.1 Area Survey
Identify dog locations
Note traffic and crowd density
Identify aggressive or pregnant dogs
7.2 Timing
Early morning or late evening preferred
Avoid extreme heat or rain
7.3 Team Briefing
Assign roles
Communication signals
Emergency plan
- METHODS OF DOG CATCHING
8.1 Catching Friendly Dogs
Calm approach
Use food to lure into crate
Close crate gently
8.2 Catching Fearful Dogs
Slow movements
Avoid eye contact
Use net or crate luring
8.3 Catching Aggressive Dogs
Use catch pole and net
Maintain distance
One handler controls head, other supports body
Never chase dogs aggressively.
9. STEP-BY-STEP DOG CATCHING PROCESS
- Observe dog behaviour
- Position crate or net
- Approach calmly
- Restrain humanely
- Place dog into crate
- Cover crate to reduce stress
- Check dog condition
- HANDLING SPECIAL SITUATIONS
10.1 Pregnant or Lactating Dogs
Inform veterinarian
Handle with extra care
10.2 Injured Dogs
Gentle handling
Immediate veterinary attention
10.3 Dog Packs
Identify dominant dog
Capture non-dominant dogs first
- TRANSPORTATION OF DOGS
Use only approved crates
Never overcrowd
Provide ventilation
Avoid long delays
- DOs AND DON’Ts
DOs
Be calm and patient
Use humane methods only
Follow veterinary instructions
Treat dogs with respect
DON’Ts
Do not beat, kick, or hit dogs
Do not use sticks or ropes
Do not tease or provoke dogs
Do not transport dogs loosely
- BASIC FIRST AID (DOG & HANDLER)
For Dogs
Control bleeding
Keep warm
Inform veterinarian immediately
For Handlers
Clean wounds immediately
Report bites/scratches
Seek medical attention
- RECORD KEEPING & REPORTING
Date & location
Dog description
Capture method
Any injuries
Handler name
Accurate records ensure transparency and accountability.
- ETHICS & LEGAL AWARENESS
Dog catchers are legally and morally responsible to:
Prevent cruelty
Follow ABC rules
Cooperate with animal welfare authorities
Violation may lead to legal action and dismissal.
- CONTINUOUS TRAINING & IMPROVEMENT
Regular refresher training
Mock drills
Feedback from veterinarians
Learning from field challenges
17.EQUIPMENTS REQUIRED AND INNOVATIVE & INDIGENOUS TECHNIQUES
(For Dog Catchers under Animal Birth Control Programme – India)
A. EQUIPMENTS REQUIRED FOR DOG CATCHING OPERATIONS
1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
To ensure safety of dog catchers and prevent zoonotic diseases:
Thick cotton/nylon uniform with reflective strips
Heavy-duty gloves (bite-resistant)
Safety shoes / gumboots
Face mask (preferably N95 in high-risk areas)
Protective goggles
Cap/helmet (for urban traffic safety)
Rain gear (during monsoon operations)
2. Dog Catching and Restraining Equipment
Used to safely restrain dogs without injury:
Nylon loop catcher (snare pole) – adjustable and padded
Soft rope leash (cotton/nylon)
Canvas muzzle / nylon muzzle
Dog catching net (lightweight, knotless)
Bamboo stick with rope loop (indigenous alternative)
Transport crates / collapsible cages
Slip leads
3. Animal Handling & First Aid Kit
For emergency care during capture and transport:
Antiseptic solution (Povidone iodine / Chlorhexidine)
Cotton, gauze, bandage rolls
Antibacterial spray
Wound powder
ORS sachets
Disposable syringes (emergency use by veterinarian only)
Tick & flea spray
Thermometer
4. Transportation Equipment
For safe movement of dogs to ABC centers:
Modified dog catching vehicle (pickup/auto/van)
Non-slip flooring
Partitioned cages
Adequate ventilation
Drinking water containers
Ramps (for injured or pregnant dogs)
5. Identification & Record-Keeping Tools
Ear notch reference chart
Spray paint / non-toxic markers (temporary identification)
Mobile phone / tablet
GPS-enabled camera
Dog capture register
Area-wise dog population maps
B. INNOVATIVE AND INDIGENOUS TECHNIQUES USED IN INDIA
1. Indigenous Dog Catching Techniques
These techniques are widely practiced, low-cost, and culturally suitable:
a) Bamboo Loop Technique
Locally available bamboo pole
Soft cotton rope loop at the end
Cost-effective, lightweight, and humane
Commonly used in rural and semi-urban India
b) Two-Person Cornering Method
One catcher distracts the dog
Second catcher loops or nets the dog
Reduces stress and chasing
Especially effective in narrow lanes
2. Community-Assisted Catching (Indian Model)
Use of local feeders and community volunteers
Dogs are calm and approachable near feeding points
Encourages community participation
Reduces aggression and resistance
3. Food Lure Technique (Indigenous Practice)
Use of locally available food:
Rice with chicken gravy
Fish waste
Biscuits soaked in milk
Avoids chasing
Highly effective for shy or aggressive dogs
4. Time-Based Catching Strategy
Early morning (5:00–8:00 AM) or late evening (6:00–9:00 PM)
Dogs are less active and more approachable
Reduced public interference
5. Stress-Minimization Handling Techniques
No shouting, beating, or stone throwing
Slow movements and calm voice
Covering dog’s eyes with cloth after capture
Immediate muzzling when required
6. Indigenous Identification Practices
Ear Notching (Left ear for male, Right ear for female – as per local SOP)
Natural dye marking (turmeric-based temporary mark in some regions)
Color-coded collars during post-operative release
7. Low-Cost Innovations in Indian Municipalities
Recycled iron cages fabricated by local welders
Converted e-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws as dog vans
Mobile ABC units using modified vans
Use of WhatsApp groups for dog sighting and tracking
GIS mapping using smartphones
8. Integration of Traditional Knowledge
Understanding dog territorial behavior
Respecting pack hierarchy
Avoiding capture of pregnant or lactating females
Local knowledge of aggressive dogs and hotspots
C. IMPORTANT ETHICAL AND LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
Follow Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023
Dogs must not be relocated outside their territory
Capture must be humane and non-injurious
Only trained personnel should perform catching
Public awareness and transparency are essential
NOTE FOR TRAINING MANUAL
“A skilled dog catcher is not one who catches fast, but one who catches humanely, safely, and responsibly.”
Training Module for Animal Birth Control Program (ABC) for Vets & Paravets in India
Training Module for Animal Birth Control Program (ABC) for Vets & Paravets in India
ABC OF ANIMAL BIRTH CONTROL (ABC) PROCEDURE IN INDIA
ABC OF ABC RULES & PROCEDURE IN INDIA
Humane Dog Population Management Guidance
2019-ICAM-DPM-guidance-Interactive-updated-15-Oct-2019.pdf
CONCLUSION
A dog catcher is not just a catcher, but a protector of animal welfare and public health. Humane catching is the foundation of a successful ABC programme and a compassionate society.
“Handle every dog as you would want your own animal to be treated.”
Compiled By-Dr Ramesh Yadav, Veterinary Surgeon, Jamshedpur
Image-Credit-Google
