While dog bite cases continue to rise, the intervention of animal rights activists has brought the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme to a standstill in Kollam. While most local self-government institutions (LSGIs) have come up with facilities, including operation theatre, shelter for post-surgery care and vehicles to transport the dogs, the activists say that the LSGIs are not following the guidelines issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India properly.
“We were conducting the programme in 13 centres and 374 stray dogs have been neutered so far. But the activists complained that some local bodies have not provided infrastructure facilities, including air-conditioned operation theatres and kitchen. We have been feeding the dogs pellets, which the animals also like, but as per norms they should be given cooked food. Right now the programme has been temporarily suspended at all centres,” said an official.
