To curb stray dog population, Animal Birth Control Centre to come up at Udaipur in Lahaul Spiti
Meeting was attended by panchayat secretaries from all panchayats of Lahaul sub-division, along with officials from the animal husbandry, health, and other departments
A meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Lahaul Spiti Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kiran Bhadana to control the growing problem of stray dogs in the district and to prepare an action plan for a comprehensive solution. The meeting was attended by panchayat secretaries from all panchayats of Lahaul sub-division, along with officials from the animal husbandry, health, and other departments concerned.
Addressing officials at the meeting the DC said the increasing number of stray dogs in the urban and panchayat areas of the district was becoming a serious challenge to the public safety and sanitation. She said the district administration would ensure swift and effective action in this regard.
The DC directed officials to establish of an Animal Birth Control Centre in Udaipur sub-division of the district. She said, “This centre will help control the dog population in a scientific and humane manner.”
Officials of the Department of Animal Husbandry informed that a proposal in this regard was sent to the higher authorities of the department. They said land for establishing the Animal Birth Control Centre in Udaipur sub-division had been identified. They said the centre would not only control the number of stray dogs, but will also reduce conflicts between humans and animals, besides preventing the spread of rabies and other diseases.
The DC directed officials to identify the areas in the district where dog bite incidents were more frequent. She asked officials to focus on the canine sterilisation in these areas in coordination with panchayat representatives. She directed the Department of Animal Husbandry to identify buildings of closed schools in the district for temporary use as dog shelters after sterilisation. The DC said the panchayat concerned would arrange for food for dogs at shelter in the village.
The DC told officials from various departments to visit schools across the district and provide students information on measures and methods to protect themselves from dogs. She appealed to parents to dress their children in clothing that covers their entire bodies.
She instructed officials of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) to coordinate with the special area development authority to maintain cleanliness at bus stands so that stray dogs do not find food there.
The DC directed the education, health and youth services and sports departments and the HRTC to construct boundary walls around schools, health institutions and bus stands. She instructed departments to ensure that there were no dogs on the premises of these places and to appoint nodal officers to maintain cleanliness.
