Ernakulam district panchayat in Keralam to speed up sterilisation of dogs

A lack of dog catchers has affected the implementation of the Ernakulam district panchayat’s Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme.

While the district panchayat’s two ABC centres in Mulanthuruthy and Vadavucode block panchayats are operational, with each centre having the capacity to sterilise and vaccinate over 100 dogs every month, they have been largely unable to meet their targets, according to sources.

District panchayat president K.G. Radhakrishnan said the civic body has taken steps to speed up the sterilisation and sheltering processes.

“A proposed sterilisation project will be implemented soon. Training has already been imparted to a few dog catchers. Plans are afoot to rope in experienced dog catchers for the sterilisation project,” said Mr. Radhakrishnan.

Meanwhile, a senior surgeon at the Government Veterinary Hospital, Kolenchery, said the lack of dog catchers was a major challenge. As many as 93 street dogs were sterilised at the ABC facility at the hospital in September. There is also a proposal to sterilise dogs from Thrikkakara and Perumbavoor municipalities at the facility at the hospital.

According to the surgeon, up to 100 dogs can be sterilised at the facility per month. “The challenge is retaining dog catchers as they are paid only ₹500 for catching and releasing a dog,” he said.

The sterilisation efforts at the ABC centre at Mulanthuruthy were largely restricted to owned dogs this financial year, said a senior veterinary surgeon at the centre. “A total of 18 owned dogs were sterilised in July, while the numbers stood at 20 and 22 in August and September respectively.

Opposition councillor Juble George said local panchayats have been struggling to manage street dogs. “Stray dogs remain a major issue in the divisions. There is no immediate solution in sight. To control stray dog population, there must be effective sterilisation programmes and an efficient waste management system,” said Mr. George, who represents the Puthencruz division.