Sankshay Babber Proposes MBF Mission to Solve Dog–Human Conflict

New Delhi — Entrepreneur and policy advocate Sankshay Babber has called on state governments across India to adopt Project Man’s Best Friend (MBF), a proposed national public safety and governance mission aimed at addressing the long-standing dog–human conflict while simultaneously creating a regulated canine economy worth more than ₹15,000 crore.

The initiative seeks to transform how India manages community dogs by shifting the focus from removal-based policies to a structured system of coexistence, public safety and economic opportunity.

A Governance-Based Approach

Project MBF views the issue of stray and community dogs not merely as a public nuisance but as a governance challenge that can be addressed through better infrastructure, accountability and technology.

The model integrates several key elements into a single coordinated framework, including identification of dogs, vaccination coverage exceeding 80 percent, sterilisation tracking, behavioural monitoring and the structured management of community dogs.

According to Babber, the goal is to create a system that improves public safety while ensuring humane treatment of animals.

“India has historically been an animal-loving nation, with deep cultural traditions that respect animals and nature,” Babber said. “Through MBF, we aim to reconnect with those roots and build a better relationship between humans and animals.”

Transforming Animal Infrastructure

One of the central proposals under MBF is the transformation of existing animal pounds into government-owned animal hospitals and trauma units. These facilities would significantly increase sterilisation capacity while expanding employment opportunities in the veterinary sector.

The initiative also proposes creating a sustainable revenue model for states through regulated services related to canine health, adoption and licensing.

A dedicated mobile application would support the system by enabling municipalities, volunteers and feeders to coordinate key activities such as feeding zones, sterilisation tracking, health check-ups and behavioural monitoring. The platform would also maintain geotagged databases of dogs, support microchipping programs and facilitate adoption drives.

Economic and Employment Potential

Beyond animal welfare and safety, the MBF framework highlights the economic potential of a structured canine ecosystem.

The model proposes freelancing sterilisation services to accredited private veterinary clinics, which could help increase capacity while supporting private medical practices.

Community dogs could also be trained for structured roles such as neighborhood security assets, while therapy dogs could be introduced in hospitals and rehabilitation centres to assist with patient well-being.

Additional measures include reflective collar programs for dogs and cattle to reduce road accidents and incentives to promote the adoption of indigenous Indian dog breeds. The framework also suggests introducing structured taxation on imported foreign dog breeds to encourage the adoption of native breeds.

Together, these initiatives aim to create a regulated canine economy estimated to generate more than ₹15,000 crore in economic activity while creating employment opportunities for veterinary professionals, trainers, caretakers and related service providers.

Public Safety and Humane Coexistence

Supporters of the MBF model argue that a comprehensive governance approach could significantly reduce dog-bite incidents and eliminate the risk of rabies through systematic vaccination and monitoring.

By creating clear accountability mechanisms and digital tracking systems, the initiative aims to restore civic order while ensuring humane treatment of animals.

Babber believes the solution lies not in eliminating community dogs but in managing them responsibly within a structured ecosystem.

“MBF is about building a system where compassion and governance work together,” he said. “When properly implemented, it can improve public safety, strengthen animal welfare and generate economic value for states and communities alike.”

As India continues to grapple with growing urbanization and increasing human–animal interactions, proposals such as Project Man’s Best Friend highlight the need for innovative, technology-driven solutions that balance public safety with humane animal management.