The sudden en masse resignation of a team of eight veterinary doctors, alleging poor pay and illtreatment, has crippled the activities of Blue Cross, started in 1959 with a view to alleviating the suffering of animals. Trouble began on January 27 when the veterinarians went on strike. They subsequently resigned on February 7.

For his part, Blue Cross chairman Dr S Chinny Krishna said he was taking steps to end the crisis.

Three veterinary doctors from Hyderabed have already been shifted to Chennai to carry forward the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme. Besides, three foreigners from Jordan and North Africa, who are here under a study programme, have been assisting the doctors since Tuesday, he informed.

He also assured that new vets would be appointed soon.

On the eight vets who resigned, Dr Krishna said they had joined the organisation recently. So, he couldn’t meet their demand for pay hike. He denied the charge that they were harassed.

Dr Krishna informed that the Chennai Corporation sends between 25 and 50 stray dogs to them each day for ABC. “We are implementing the programme without getting any payment from the Corporation or the Animal Welfare Board.” When asked about the closing down of the outpatient ward, he retorted: “We are running the Blue Cross of India with our funds.

People bring animals for treatment but do not donate money.