Nilgiris to get animal birth control centre

UDHAGAMANDALAM: The Nilgiris is all set to get its first animal birth control (ABC) centre in Coonoor. The Directorate of Animal Husbandry in Chennai has granted approval for the establishment of an ABC centre at the veterinary hospital in Coonoor.

The centre will have at least two operation theatres, post-operative care facilities and adjoining kennels.

District collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru took the initiative to get the ABC centre in Coonoor on the request of the Nilgiris chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA).

The animal husbandry department may depute doctors to conduct ABC surgeries at the Coonoor centre. The NSPCA will collaborate with the department throughout the ABC process. The NSPCA will jointly oversee post-operative care compliance during the 5 -7-day recuperation period, according to Rama Sasmal, secretary, NSPCA.

The Animal Welfare Board is focused on making the ABC centre in Coonoor a model facility, according to officials.

“The Nilgiris administration has offered assistance in renovating the existing building on the veterinary hospital campus for this purpose,” said Rama.

The govt veterinary hospital in Coonoor will provide necessary medications. Its veterinarians will handle post-operative care supported by the NSPCA.

The collector has encouraged revenue and animal husbandry officials to identify suitable land in Ooty for a similar setup.

“The collector has agreed to help us conduct a comprehensive dog population survey. This survey will offer valuable insights into dog ownership, stray dog populations and vaccination needs,” said Rama.

Stray dogs and stray horses have been posing a menace in the Nilgiris in the past decades. The NSPCA rescues injured dogs and horses in Ooty and Coonoor.