The Hindu            15.11.2013

Sterilisation of stray dogs to be done five days a week

The City Municipal Corporation has decided to carry out the Animal Birth Control programme for five days a week instead of the present two days.

The programme, started in 2007 to carry out sterilisation and immunisation of stray dogs at the centre in Veeranam compost yard, saw a total of only 1,300 dogs sterilised in the last seven years whereas the estimated dog population is at 10,610 in 2012.

Lack of infrastructure, non-availability of non-governmental organisations and veterinary doctors to carry out the programme, non-availability of vehicles have stalled the programme many a times in the past.

Officials said that the birth control programme was carried out for only 14 dogs in October 2013 and Rs. 443 a dog was paid to the International Animal Rescue Organisation, Tiruchi, for taking up the job. The programme is carried out for twice a week or thrice a month for lack of infrastructure, they added.

Corporation Commissioner M. Ashokan told The Hindu that the government has sanctioned Rs. 3 lakh to upgrade the facilities.

The civic body had placed an order to purchase vehicles at a cost of Rs. 5.50 lakh to transport dogs.

“The facilities will be available in December and the birth control programme will be expedited,” he added. Officials said it will take a week for a dog to recover from surgery. Once the facilities are increased more dogs could be accommodated at the centre.

K.V. Arun Kumar, City Health Officer, said that the programme would be carried out for five days a week. Refresher courses would be provided for the existing 20 trained dog catchers. “If needed additional men will be given training,” he added.

As of now dogs are sterilised based on complaints from residents. These dogs are let off later. People can contact the corporation control room at 0427-2213996 for assistance.