KOZHIKODE: The district panchayat and animal husbandry department are all set to commence 'Karuna' project to sterilise more than 32,000 stray dogs in the district. The sterilisation would be performed through eight Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres, the first being started at Puliyancheri near Koyilandy. As per the data of Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), two lost life and 7,533 suffered injuries through dog bites in Kozhikode between January 2016 and January 2017.
"According to a 2012 census the number of strays were around 16,000. Our estimation is that it has more than doubled now. After sterilisation and three-day treatment process, they would be left at the same spot from where they were caught," said District Animal Husbandry Officer, Dr A.C Mohandas. Bangaluru based NGO, Animal Rights Fund (ARF) is contracted with the catching of dogs, sterilizing, attending and safely leaving them on the spot. The department's role is limited to providing facility to perform the surgery, provide water and electricity. The financial agreement with ARF is that Rs 1,450 will be given for each dog.
"We have a team comprising of four dog catchers, a vehicle, doctor and a driver. Daily a minimum of 10 dogs and a maximum of 15 would be caught. It would be sterilized that day itself," said Immanuel. R., ARF Manager The sterilized dogs would also be given anti-rabies vaccine before letting free. For identification, a 'V' mark should be made on the ear of sterilized strays. After Koyilandy, ABC centres would be started at Balusserry, Perambra, Vadakara and Puthuppady soon. According to Mr Mohandas, dog catching in Koyilandy area will kick start on Tuesday. ARF is doing the same in Kannur and Kasargod districts.
