Finally, Panchkula ropes in firm to sterilise canines

Ishrat S Banwait

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, May 17

After more than three months since no stray dog were sterilised, the MC has finally roped in a company for the same. Safeguard Security Service has been given the contract to sterilise the city’s dogs at Rs 840 per dog. Until last year, the rate was Rs 810 per dog. The company was demanding Rs 970 per dog; however, it was negotiated yesterday.

It has been previously reported that numerous complaints were received against the previous contractor and he was ousted because his performance was not satisfactory. The terms and conditions for the new contract specifically mention that the dogs will not only have to be sterilised, but will also have to be vaccinated.

Each dog that is sterilised will have a visible plastic tag on ear which will include its number and the name of the agency. This will also help in counting the dogs and ensure that there is no repetition. Earlier, each dog received a ‘v- shaped’ cut which healed and disappeared overtime or led to infections in the dog.

The contractor will have to maintain a record of dogs sterilised along with a record of residents who will act as witnesses. Wherever dogs will be sterilised, the contractor will have to note down the house number and contact number of the nearby residents and obtain signatures of two to three residents.

The contractor will have to make a monthly schedule of catching and sterilising dogs and the MC says that it will keep a check on whether it is being followed or not. The MC says that the dog shelters/kennels, operation theatres and other equipment will be provided to the contractor.

The problem of stray dogs has been severe in Panchkula and dog-bite cases have been increasing. The residents complain that the authorities are not serious enough to tackle the problem.