NAVI MUMBAI: After successfully reactivating the dog sterilisation centres at various nodes which were under Cidco’s control for years, the health department of Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has set up a stray cat vaccination and sterilisation centre at Podi Village. It was recently kicked off by PCMC commissioner Ganesh Deshmukh. The centre is located on the upper floor of the existing dog sterilisation centre. PCMC plans to expand the network to other areas under its jurisdiction to put control on the stray cats.
A non-governmental organisation (NGO) called In Defense of Animal India has been roped in to run the centre. In order to control the number of stray cats in the city, the PCMC had received instructions from the Animal Welfare Board of India to implement the Sterilisation Act for stray cats on the lines of the sterilisation program of stray dogs. Besides vaccination and sterilisation, the ailing stray cats will be provided treatment as well. “It was the need of the hour to keep the population of stray dogs and cats under control which is why the concept has been implemented,” said Deshmukh.
The PCMC has set a target of around 300 cats to be vaccinated and sterilised in a year for which required provision has been made and funds have been allocated. Moreover, around 200 sick cats will also be treated at the centre with the help of an adequate number of veterinary doctors. The cats will be vaccinated and sterilised every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 5 pm at the centre. The PCMC has four animal ambulances at the centre to ferry the stray cats.
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