Over 80% stray dogs in urban localities sterilised: Malerkotla administration
Officials said trained staff has been deployed to catch dogs, sterilise them and release them
Municipal officials from Ahmedgarh, Amargarh and Malerkotla sub-divisions of the district said over 80 per cent of the stray dogs have been sterilised in urban localities, bringing a sigh of relief for the residents.
Stray dog menace has long been an issue plaguing the locals. It had become a bone of contention for the municipal authorities.
Officials said trained staff has been deployed to catch dogs, sterilise them and release them back to where they were caught. The drive is being managed from the Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre in Malerkotla, the officials added.
The canines are sterilised and given post-operative treatment at kennels established for the purpose in Malerkotla.
According to the authorities, 2,300 out of 2,309 dogs have been sterilised in Malerkotla, 312 out of 459 in Ahmedgarh and 41 out of 181 dogs have been operated upon in Amargarh.
Officials said the dogs were kept at 16 permanent kennels and temporary cages at the headquarters in Malerkotla during treatment.
Deputy Commissioner Viraj S Tidke said officials from municipal councils of Ahmedgarh, Amargarh and Malerkotla had almost completed the sterilisation process, covering more than 83 per cent of the total canine population.
“After getting to know about the issues related to growing dog population in Ahmedgarh, Amargarh and Malerkotla towns, the administration cautioned the personnel against ignoring animal birth control rules,” said Tidke, appreciating that personnel, led by Chandra Parkash Wadhwa, executive officer, had made extra efforts to achieve the sterilisation targets.
After the Supreme Court pulled up the Local Bodies Department for its failure to implement ABC rules, the municipal authorities here said they enhanced proactive measures to check proliferation of canines.
Residents say separate arrangements should be made for treating dogs living near Hadda Roris — places where animal carcasses, hides and remains are dumped — as they are considered the most ferocious.
Although the Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed the state government to find a solution for the problem, the officials at civic bodies earlier failed to take necessary action.
Wadhwa said the target was achieved due to extra efforts made by the employees.
