Quarantine centre for rabid, ill stray dogs set up in Perungudi zone

Chennai: In order to house aggressive stray dogs affected by rabies and viral infections such as canine distemper, GCC has set up a quarantine centre at Ma Po Si Nagar in Perungudi zone. The facility in ward 189 has the capacity to accommodate 100 diseased stray dogs.Deputy mayor Mahesh Kumar said the exclusive centre will help in reducing burden in other ABC centres in the city. "We plan to set up four more centres," he said. Corporation said 10 dog birth control centres are functioning across the city, including at Pulianthope, Kannammapet, Lloyds Colony, Meenambakkam, Sholinganallur, Chettimedu, Tiruvottiyur, Madhavaram, Tondiarpet and Kannappar Thidal.Construction of four more centres is underway at Athipattu in Ambattur zone, Nandambakkam in Alandur zone, Tambaram-Velachery Main Road in Perungudi zone and the biogas plant premises in Sholinganallur zone.To carry out sterilisation surgeries, GCC has deployed 28 dog-catching vehicles and 159 personnel. On average, around 150 stray dogs undergo sterilisation every day. GCC also plans to add 15 more dog-catching vehicles for zonal use.So far, 88,240 stray dogs have been sterilised and vaccinated against rabies. "Under a mass vaccination drive, 1,47,538 stray dogs have been administered anti-rabies vaccines and deworming medication," the deputy mayor said.Corporation has also deployed six special rescue vehicles to immediately pick up rabies-infected stray dogs and respond to emergency cases. Officials said the measures would help prevent the spread of rabies and canine distemper and ensure public safety as well as animal welfare.A dedicated complaint centre has been established for residents to report issues related to stray dogs. The public can contact GCC control room at 1913 to report aggressive or diseased stray dogs.Meanwhile, based on Supreme Court guidelines, GCC is also constructing dog shelters at Manali and ward 189 in Perungudi zone, each with a capacity to house 250 stray dogs.