To curb stray surge, Karnal MC to take up sterilisation

Parveen Arora

Advertisement

Karnal, February 7

After several months of unsuccessful attempts to secure a suitable agency to address the issue of increasing population of stray dogs in the city, the Karnal Municipal Corporation (KMC) has decided to take charge of the sterilisation process independently.

Instead of floating any fresh tender to hire an agency, the KMC has opted to handle the sterilisation of stray dogs on its own. The civic body has identified a location near the slaughterhouse for a dedicated dog care centre to not only control the population of stray dog, but also to provide essential care and observation post-sterilisation.

The drawing of this centre has been prepared and the estimate of the budget is being prepared by the authorities concerned.

With an estimated 15,000 stray dogs roaming the streets, the issue has become a pressing matter, affecting the daily lives of residents. Outgoing Mayor Renu Bala Gupta, outgoing councillors, residents, and various Resident Welfare Associations have consistently voiced the issue on different platforms, including discussions with Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, calling for effective measures to curb the menace of stray dogs.

Sources at the district Civil Hospital said cases of dog bites were increasing at the hospital, with approximately 25-30 cases being recorded daily, highlighting the urgency of implementing effective sterilisation measures.

“The population of stray dogs is increasing with each passing day, resulting in an increasing number of dog bite cases. My son was also bitten by a stray dog, and when I took him to a hospital, I learned that four to five cases of dog bites were being reported on a daily basis there alone,” said Neenu Ahuja, a resident.

“The dog care centre’s infrastructure will include a registration counter, record room, veterinary room, examination room, dog park, medicine store, pet shop and a grooming salon,” said Abhishek Meena, Commissioner, KMC.

He maintained that they will ensure that the sterilised dogs receive not only necessary medical attention but also a safe and monitored environment during the recovery period.

For smooth functioning of this centre, the KMC will hire a dedicated veterinarian to oversee the sterilisation process.