NMC to resume sterilization of stray dogs

Nagpur: With a view to curb stray dog menace, Nagpur Municipal Corporation is all set to restart the animal birth control (ABC) programme soon. It has already constructed a dog shelter at Bhandewadi, informed NMC veterinary officer Dr Gajendra Mahalle while replying to a Right To Information Act application. ""Here, we will carry out the sterilization programme,"" he added.

Even though cases of dog bites have been reported from several parts of the city and its outskirts, the civic body has miserably failed to curb the menace. Packs of dogs rule the roost on city streets leading to panic among residents. The threat is more for morning and evening walkers. Market places act as a breeding ground for stray dogs, where they fatten on slaughter waste.

In a reply to the RTI application filed by Abhay Kolarkar, an activist with the India Against Corruption, Mahalle pointed out that as per Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), the ABC programme is the responsibility of NMC and state animal husbandry department.

NMC has to take post-operative care of dogs that have undergone the ABC procedure. In the past, the civic body had started the sterilization programme through some NGOs but irregularities led to the civic body ending it. In 2010-2011, the civic body had carried out sterilization programme on 2,228 dogs across the city. Now, the civic body has decided to carry out the ABC programme on its own.

Mahalle said that the civic body had formed two flying squad entrusted in the job of catching stray dogs. ""A mobile van has also been provided to catch stray dogs. Instructions have been given to zonal officials to get strict with the job,"" he added.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/NMC-to-resume-sterilization-of-stray-dogs/articleshow/14179249.cms