India, Jan. 7 -- The latest hearing on community dogs highlighted ground realities. The amicus informed the court that Maharashtra has categorically stated it does not have the sheltering capacity envisaged by earlier directions-and, therefore, cannot comply. Several other states echoed the same position. This was an admission of reality.

For nearly 25 years, India's official national policy on street dogs has been ABC-Animal Birth Control: Sterilise, vaccinate, and release. This policy is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the only way to curb numbers, reduce bites and eliminate rabies. ABC units are not shelters. They are small, operation-focused facilities where dogs are kept only for post-operative recovery and releas...