In a much-needed relief to residents of Secunderabad from stray dogs, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has planned to launch a sterilisation drive to neutralise the stray dogs and has made arrangements to deploy dog catchers in order to curb the spread of rabies.
As per the schedule, the civic body catches stray dogs twice a year and once in six months, and move the dogs caught in Secunderabad to an animal shelter at Mahadevpur. The GHMC-North Zone (Secunderabad) wing traps stray dogs in five circles, including Secunderabad, Malkajgiri, Amberpet, Begumpet and Musheerabad. “In each circle, we have a five-member dog catching squad. The team catches an average of 30 stray dogs every day as per the norms prescribed by the Animal Welfare Board of India and shifts the stray dogs to Animal Care Centre in Mahadevpur,” GHMC deputy director, veterinary wing, Dr L Goverdhan Reddy told TOI.
“After completing the sterilisation programme and administering the rabies vaccine, we keep these dogs at the shelter for five to six days and then release them in the same area,” he said.
Of all circles in Secunderabad zone, Malkajgiri circle has the highest number of stray dogs. “Malkajgiri circle is large and has more garbage dumping points, as a result of which the dog population is increasing,” said Reddy.
The official also said that the dog population has been stabilising incredibly when compared to the past four years due to regular sterilisation programmes conducted by the GHMC. Locals can register complaints regarding stray dogs by contacting the GHMC call centre on 100 or 21111111.
Meanwhile, the GHMC has acquired 16 new customised dog catching vehicles to replace the old ones.
Source: Times Of India
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