Vellore Corpn. begins vaccination programme for community dogs
In coordination with the Department of Animal husbandry, the Vellore Corporation kick-started anti-rabies vaccination and sterilisation programme for community dogs as per the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules 2001 on Thursday.
Corporation officials said that the aim was to reduce the risk of rabies and manage the growing stray dog population in the town.
Collector V.R. Subbulaxmi launched the drive in the presence of Mayor Sujatha Anandakumar and Corporation Commissioner P. Janaki Raveendran at the veterinary clinic in the town.
'The first phase of the drive is meant to vaccinate identified community dogs, mainly in Vellore town, before sterilisation is introduced. Along with Corporation health officials, a detailed schedule for the drive will be made in the coming days,' G. Anduvan, Assistant Director, Department of Animal Husbandry (Vellore), said.
As per estimates, the Corporation has identified more than 37,000 community dogs as against 9,000 dogs a decade ago within its four zones, covering all 60 wards in the town. The Department of Animal Husbandry also shortlisted around 15,000 community dogs in villages in the district.
Veterinarians said growth of population and lack of basic facilities has resulted in congested residential colonies in the town that further led to the proliferation of community dogs. As per study, the town witnesses around 1.5 lakh population every day.
Most community dogs were found in crowded areas such as bus terminus, railway stations, markets, schools and Corporation offices. As per plan, deworming, anti-rabiesvaccination and vaccines for skin diseases will be administered.
On an average, 20 dogs will be treated at identified spots in each zone within Corporation limits. Training will be imparted to Corporation health workers to handle community dogs and vaccinate them. Vaccination will also be done at four veterinary clinics in the town.
Corporation officials said the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Centre, which was built in 2009, is under renovation. The restoration of the centre, which will be completed in June, includes setting up of surgical theatres and other infrastructure facilities.
Once re-opened, a full-fledged sterilisation of community dogs will be carried out at the refurbished centre. Till then, veterinary and health clinics, and Corporation ward offices will be used to vaccinate the animals.
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