Somwarpet begins stray dog sterilisation drive

Madikeri: Somwarpet town panchayat chief officer Krishnaprasad has appealed to the public to cooperate with the civic body as stray dogs are being caught for neutering.

Speaking at the veterinary hospital, he said that in line with a Supreme Court order, stray dogs within the town panchayat limits will be captured, neutered, treated, and released after recovery. He urged the public to support the initiative and avoid misinformation or confusion, adding that the project aims to control the stray dog population.

Assistant director of the animal husbandry department Lingaraj Doddamani said the govt has formulated a nationwide plan to control the proliferation of street dogs and prevent their deaths. Under the programme, male dogs will be released after three days of post-operative care and female dogs after five days. He added that pet owners can also avail free surgical treatment and anti-rabies vaccination for their dogs.

Town panchayat engineer Hema Kumar, health inspector Jasim Khan, secretary Adil, and other staff were present. Meanwhile, Animal Relief Kodagu, in collaboration with ASRA, Bengaluru, has organised a birth control and anti-rabies vaccination camp for stray and pet dogs on May 23 and 24 within the limits of Kadagadalu village. The camp will be held at Kadagadalu Govt High School from 9am to 2pm. For more information, the public can contact 9448190990 or 9110412382.