To tackle stray dog menace, Sirsa MC issues ~39L vaccination tender

Anil Kakkar

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Sirsa, August 16

The city is grappling with the growing problem of stray dogs roaming upscale neighbourhoods and various colonies. These stray dogs have been involved in multiple biting incidents, affecting residents, especially children and elderly.

Many of the affected individuals have sought rabies vaccine at local government hospitals. In response to the situation, the Sirsa Municipal Council has issued its sixth tender, valued at Rs 39 lakh, for a comprehensive dog vaccination programme. As per the MC estimates, there are around 1,500 stray dogs in the city.

At present, around 25 people visit the civic hospital daily to receive rabies vaccinations, with 12 to 15 new dog bite cases reported each day. The district registers between 40 and 60 new cases daily, with a significant number of people turning to private hospitals for treatment.

The cost for rabies vaccination at government hospitals is Rs 100, while its is free for the BPL cardholders. Meanwhile, private hospitals charge between Rs 600 and Rs 700. The vaccination regimen involves an initial shot, followed by subsequent boosters at specific intervals.

Previously, tenders issued for this initiative were cancelled as the agencies did not meet the required criteria. The new tender includes 36 specific conditions, including prohibition on subcontracting, requirement for the contractor to provide their own veterinary services and handling the capture and medication of the dogs independently, that the contractor must adhere to.

Additionally, the contractor must possess a certificate from the Animal Welfare of India and submit a bond within a week of being awarded the contract. It is also essential that the contractor’s staff have experience in dog capture and all captured dogs must be treated humanely and registered before being released at the capture site.

Atar Singh Khanagwal, Executive Officer of the Municipal Council, said a tender has been issued for the vaccination and sterilisation of stray dogs in the city. Given the rising number of dog bite cases, a permanent solution to this issue will be implemented, he added.