The Hindu 22.01.2010
Two pet clinics of Corporation opened
Staff Reporter
— Photo: M.Vedhan
Useful facility: Mayor M.Subramanian observes a veterinarian at work at the Pet Clinic in Nungambakkam on Thursday. Corporation Commissioner Rajesh Lakhoni is in the picture.
CHENNAI: Two pet clinics set up by the Chennai Corporation for the treatment and counselling of pet animals were opened on Thursday.
Inaugurating the facility in Nungambakkam, Mayor M. Subramanian said while the clinic for south Chennai was on School Road, Nungambakkam, the other facility on Pallavan Salai, Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar would treat animals brought from north Chennai. Pet animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, doves and hens, would be provided free treatment and vaccination in these facilities.
The clinics established at a total cost of Rs.10 lakh, including the equipment, would also operate as a licensing and rehabilitation centre. Residents can also check about adulteration of milk and quality of meat at the centres.
He said there are about two lakh animals in the city, including those bred at home. Earlier, carcasses were dumped in dustbins or thrown into waterways, polluting the environment.
As a prevention measure, Corporation has allotted free burial space at the Mylapore and Moolakothalam crematoria for pets.
In the last three years, the civic body sterilised nearly 70,000 street dogs with the help of three non-governmental organisations. The Corporation also caught 3,948 stray cattle and collected Rs.58.79 lakh fine from the owners during the same period, Mr.Subramanian said.
The pet clinics would issue licence to pet dogs. The fee would be Rs.16.
Corporation Commissioner Rajesh Lakhoni, Deputy Commissioner (Health) B. Jothi Nirmala and opposition floor leader Saidai Ravi participated in the function.
