Srinagar, July 13: In response to a news item published by a local daily newspaper alleging inactiveness of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), the SMC has emphatically rebuffed these claims, highlighting its proactive measures to address the issue of stray dog overpopulation.
An official communication from the SMC detailed the significant steps taken to manage the stray dog population through the Animal Birth Control (ABC) and Anti-Rabies Vaccination Programme. The SMC underscored its commitment to legal compliance and ethical standards under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which prohibits the killing or relocating of stray dogs. The corporation focuses on stabilizing the stray dog population through sterilization and vaccination, adhering to the ABC Rule of 2023.
To enhance the capacity for sterilizing and vaccinating stray dogs, the 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 an upcoming third ABC Centre, underscores the SMC’s dedication to comprehensively tackling the stray dog issue.
The SMC has also devised a structured, ward-wise action plan for conducting mass sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination drives across different wards, ensuring coverage of all areas within the SMC limits, including complaint-prone areas.
Since the opening of the Tengpora center and the outsourcing of the ABC Programme, SMC has seen substantial progress, with approximately 26% of the target stray dog population successfully sterilized and vaccinated in the initial phase.
Emphasizing community involvement and compassion, the SMC calls for public cooperation in ongoing sterilization and vaccination efforts. Residents are urged to treat stray dogs humanely, as acts of violence 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.
Furthermore, the SMC clarified that reported figures for stray dog bite incidents are often misinterpreted, as they include bites from stray cats, pet cats, and pet dogs, not just stray dogs. Accurate counting of individual bites instead of vaccination schedules would significantly reduce the reported number of stray dog bites.
The SMC’s comprehensive efforts and structured approach highlight its active role in addressing the stray dog overpopulation issue in Srinagar.
SMC Rebuffs Allegations of Inactivity in Tackling Stray Dog Overpopulation
