Animal sterilisation is on top gear

Mohammed Majid Hussain, Mayor has directed the Additional Commissioner (H&S) to change the timings of Animal Birth Control (ABC) activities within the GHMC limits. The mayor held a review meeting on the ABC programme on Saturday. Also present at the meeting was Amala Akkineni, founder, Blue Cross Society. Amala suggested that dogs cannot be caught from the streets during the day and the GHMC workers should instead keep vigil during the late evening.

The mayor opined that the Veterinary Wing of GHMC is limiting themselves to a complaint basis. He said that there is a need to take the help of a few NGOs in executing the programme effectively. He further stated that the Animal Birth Control activity is a community programme and it needs active participation from all the citizens. Responding to the regular complaints of leaving the animals in the same locality after sterilisation, the mayor said, as per the studies, dogs which are familiar with the locality would safeguard the locality and the people. Directions were given to the Additional commissioner ( H&S) to hire smaller sized dog catching vehicles and squads as it would make it easier for them to go round the smaller slums.

The mayor has asked the respective officials to furnish a complete animal census at the earliest. He further stated that the GHMC is taking steps to upgrade the Veterinary Hospital in the South Zone into a fully fledged ABC centre. Also present at the meet were L Vandan Kumar, Additional Commissioner (H&S) and P Venkateshwara Reddy, Chief Veterinary Officer.

Highlights of the meeting

l To conduct the ABC/Animal Rescue (AR) programme as per the norms of Animal Welfare Board of India more vigorously

l To undertake more awareness camps in slum areas, with regard to importance of ABC/AR programmes

l To give special emphasis on female dogs

l To conduct mass vaccination on stray dogs on a war footing to minimise rabies deaths among human beings and animals

l To strengthen and expand of ABC/AR shelters