Srinagar: In response to a news item published by a local daily newspaper alleging inactiveness of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC),
the SMC has taken significant steps to address the issue of stray dog overpopulation.
As per an official communication issued here, it has been informed that the
corporation is diligently implementing the Animal Birth Control (ABC) and Anti-Rabies Vaccination Programme as the primary lawful intervention.
Some of the highlights of the SMC’s active efforts include, Legal Compliance and Ethical Standards: Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, killing or relocating stray dogs is illegal. The SMC adheres strictly to this law by focusing on the stabilization of the stray dog population through sterilization and vaccination, in compliance with the ABC Rule of 2023.
Operational Animal Birth Control Centers: To enhance the capacity for sterilizing and vaccinating stray dogs, SMC has constructed additional ABC Centres. The Tengpora center, operational since June 2023, is an approved facility by the Animal Welfare Board of India. This center, along with the upcoming third ABC Centre, underscores SMC’s commitment to tackling the stray dog issue comprehensively.
Ward-Wise Action Plan: The SMC has devised a structured, ward-wise action plan for conducting mass sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination drives across different wards. This systematic approach ensures that all areas within the SMC limits, including complaint-prone areas, are covered.
Significant Progress and Achievements: Since the opening of the Tengpora center and the outsourcing of the ABC Programme, SMC has seen a substantial increase in sterilization and immunization rates. In the initial phase, approximately 26% of the target stray dog population has been successfully sterilized and vaccinated.
Community Involvement and Compassion, SMC emphasizes the importance of community cooperation and compassion towards stray dogs. The success of the ABC Programme depends on public support and understanding.
Meanwhile, it has also flagged-off of some key points related to community involvement and these include Public Cooperation: The SMC requests residents to cooperate with the ongoing sterilization and vaccination efforts. Community involvement is crucial for the success of these initiatives, and residents’ cooperation can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the program.
Promoting Compassionate Behavior: SMC urges residents to treat stray dogs humanely. Acts of violence, such as beating, kicking, or throwing stones at dogs, not only violate ethical standards but also provoke aggressive behavior in dogs. Compassionate treatment of stray animals is essential for maintaining a harmonious community environment.
Moreover, the SMC has clarified that the reported figures for stray dog bite incidents are often misinterpreted. The numbers actually include bites from stray cats, pet cats, and pet dogs, not just stray dogs. Additionally, counting individual bites instead of vaccination schedules would definitely reduce the number of stray dog bite count.
