The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has ramped up its sterilisation drive for stray dogs, with plans to sterilise 18,060 dogs this year. The civic body expects this effort to bring the vast majority of the stray population under the programme, significantly reducing the number of unsterilised strays in the twin cities.
Details of the Sterilisation Drive
According to officials, the HDMC has been conducting sterilisation operations in phases. Last year, the corporation sterilised over 15,000 stray dogs. The increased target for this year reflects the civic body's commitment to addressing the stray dog issue systematically. The programme is carried out in collaboration with local animal welfare organisations and follows the Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules.
The sterilisation process includes catching, sterilising, vaccinating, and releasing the dogs back into their original territories. This approach is considered humane and effective in controlling the stray dog population over time.
Impact on Stray Dog Population
The HDMC estimates that the current stray dog population in Hubballi-Dharwad is around 40,000. With the completion of this year's target, a significant portion of the strays will be sterilised, leading to a gradual decline in their numbers. The civic body aims to achieve a sterilisation coverage of at least 80% to stabilise the population.
“The sterilisation drive is crucial for managing the stray dog population humanely. We are working with NGOs to ensure the process is smooth and effective,” said a senior HDMC official.
Community and Animal Welfare
Residents have expressed mixed reactions. While many support the sterilisation drive as a humane solution, some have raised concerns about the speed of implementation. Animal welfare groups have lauded the initiative but emphasised the need for post-sterilisation care and monitoring.
The HDMC has also launched awareness campaigns to educate the public about the importance of sterilisation and responsible pet ownership. The civic body urges residents to cooperate with the sterilisation teams and report any issues related to stray dogs.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, the HDMC plans to continue the sterilisation drive annually and expand it to cover all wards. The corporation is also considering setting up additional sterilisation centres to expedite the process. The ultimate goal is to achieve a sustainable and humane management of the stray dog population in Hubballi-Dharwad.
