HYDERABAD: There are around three lakh stray dogs roaming the city streets. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation officials say they have sterilised and given anti-rabies vaccine to about 1.8 lakh dogs. But with constant migration of dogs from surrounding districts to the suburban localities, GHMC officials seem to be at a loss to handle the problem. Dr P Venkateswar Reddy, chief veterinary officer, GHMC told Express that uncontrolled breeding among dogs, especially during summer is making it difficult for them to rehabilitate stray dogs. “An estimated 50,000 to one lakh dogs migrate from the neighbouring districts adding to the stray dog menace,” said Dr Reddy. He added the three measures taken up are sterilisation, vaccination to prevent rabies and treatment to stray dogs. “Once the dogs are treated, they will be released after putting a ‘V’ mark on their ears, so they are not caught again,” said the veterinary officer. “Even as we get many complaints from residents, we cannot go on a mass extermination drive since guidelines issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India prohibit cruelty to animals,” Dr Reddy said. The GHMC has hired more than 30 private doctors who will work with the staff in sterilising and vaccinating stray dogs in all 18 circles. “The GHMC has provided adequate nets, vehicles and staff members across the city. The GHMC dog squad will reach the spot within 30 minutes once they receive a complaint on the stray dog menace. To implement the Animal Birth Control effectively, we are planning to set up a sterilisation centre at Amberpet for a cost of `1.60 crore. The clinic will equipped with surgical instruments and temporary shelters for dogs after the sterilisation,” informed Dr Reddy.
Comments
0 comment