The Vellore Corporation-run Animal Birth Control Programme Centre was seen locked for nearly a month, after it was inaugurated two months ago.

When contacted, officials said the first phase of the sterilisation drive had been completed and 1,000 stray dogs in the city had been operated. The second phase would start shortly, the official added.

After repeated complaints from the public about stray dogs, the local body had conducted a study in 2012 and identified as many as 9,048 dogs in the city for performing the Animal Birth Control programme.

It may be noted that the Corporation, during the previous regime, had constructed a centre for this purpose at a cost of around Rs 18 lakh in 2009, but it was not inaugurated.

Commissioner P Jananki Raveendran said the Corporation had allotted Rs 4.40 lakh for the year 2012-2013 from the general fund to conduct the sterilisation programme on 1,000 stray dogs in the first phase. The contract for conducting the surgery was given to People for Animals, an animal welfare organisation in Villupuram.

City Health Officer C R Priyamvatha said, “The sterilisation was conducted on 1,000 stray dogs by April. Also, 19 dogs were administered anti-mite infestation and anti-worm infestation treatment.” She said, at the recently held council meeting, the Corporation had  passed a resolution to conduct the sterilisation surgery for another 1,000 stray dogs. Once, the amount is allotted for the second phase, the sterilisation campaign would begin. The centre would be opened within two months, Priyamvatha added.