“The problem of stray dogs was reviewed by the Chief Secretary and he suggested that we intensify operations,” said Dr Peeran. Adding that there were currently 15 packages to deal with the menace, he said the number of packages was escalated to 20, to enable the palike to perform 80,000-90,000 ABC (Animal Birth Control) initiatives in a year.

“Tenders are ready but they have to be approved by the council,” he said and added that the intensified drive is to control stray dog population to a large extent.

Dr Peeran also said sterilisation of dogs was a continuous process and would take a minimum of five years to contain the situation.