Stray dogs menace: GCC to perform 50,000 animal birth control surgeries annually
To bring down the stray dog population significantly, GCC has set the annual target of ABC surgeries performed to 50,000.
CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has decided to increase the number of Animal Birth Control (ABC) surgeries for stray dogs from 15,000 to 50,000 annually across the city. The civic body has allotted Rs 9.45 crore, factoring in additional manpower requirements, surgery and medical expenses.
As complaints about dog attacks have surged in the present, the corporation commissioner held a meeting with the officials of Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University to come up with an effective solution for the menace. To bring down the stray dog population significantly, GCC has set the annual target of ABC surgeries performed to 50,000.
Currently, at least 65 ABC surgeries are performed per day, tallying 15,000 surgeries annually. Unsterilised strays are caught using butterfly nets and transported to the ABC centres in Pulianthope, Kannamapet, Meenambakkam and Sholinganallur. The civic body operates 16 vehicles to catch dogs and 78 dog-catchers for the drive. A resolution passed by the city council noted that these canines are housed in kennels maintained in the centres and are fed adequately pre and post-operation.
The caught dogs will also be collared with a QR code that comprises the location where the dog was found. The tags will be removed when they are released back at the same locality.
To aid the sterilisation drive, GCC additionally requires 11 veterinary doctors, 94 attendants, and nine security personnel in contrast to the current roster of four doctors, 31 attendants and 12 security personnel at the ABC centres.
