HYDERABAD: After a pack of stray dogs mauled a four-year-old boy to death in Amberpet last Sunday, the state government appears to have sprung into action, with minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav asking officials to launch a month-long special drive to combat both the dog and monkey menaces in the city.
Talasani stated at a high-level meeting attended by home minister Mahmood Ali, GHMC mayor G. Vijayalakshmi, deputy mayor Srilatha Reddy, and officials from veterinary, health, and other departments that as part of the drive, several areas where stray dogs are in large numbers should be identified and sent to special animal care centres that the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) will set up in different areas of the city. "We are currently undertaking a special drive with eight special teams to curb the stray dogs menace. Complaints about monkeys and dogs can be directed to the GHMC's toll-free number. A special app is also being developed for the same purpose," he added, adding that special measures will be taken by experts in the field in coordination with the forest department to handle the monkey problem.
The minister lamented the death of the four-year-old boy and urged the public not to panic, saying that the government will prioritise both human safety and animal protection. People feeding stray dogs on the roads, according to Talasani, are contributing to the issue.
As part of the campaign, the minister directed that garbage disposal near meat markets be strictly regulated, and that those who fail to comply face stringent action. He instructed officials to lay a greater emphasis on slum neighbourhoods as well as various colonies throughout the city. Following claims by meat shop owners that the number of dogs at mutton and chicken stores has increased due to the disposal of meat waste on the roadways, the minister stated that as part of the special drive beginning Friday, harsh action will be taken if shop owners violate the regulations.
