Civic body resumes sterilisation drive after 21,000 bite cases, vows to return strays safely post-treatment
Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation has rolled out two dog vans to catch and sterilise stray dogs. More could be introduced later, UMC says. Pic/Navneet Barhate
The Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) has rolled out dog vans to catch and sterilise stray dogs in response to the rising number of dog bite incidents. As of now there are two vans roaming the city, which the UMC says may increase in the future.
As this paper had earlier reported, around 21,000 dog bite cases were registered at the Ulhasnagar’s Central Hospital. Following this, the UMC took action by reopening its sterilisation department, which had been non-functional, and has now launched dog van services to curb such incidents.
“These dog vans will patrol the city, catch stray dogs, and bring them to the sterilisation department. After treatment, the dogs will be returned to their territories. We want to reduce dog bite cases across the city and are therefore taking firm measures,” said a UMC official on condition of anonymity.
The sterilisation department, inaugurated last year by then chief minister Eknath Shinde, had been lying dormant. However, after mid-day reported on the rising dog bite cases, UMC floated tenders and resumed operations. Dogs were admitted only after the facility was thoroughly cleaned.
“The dogs will undergo sterilisation and will be sent back to their respective areas post-treatment. We have already sterilised around 11,000 dogs and are now targeting another 4000. We are ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for the animals during the process,” the official added. The UMC also clarified that both the dog vans and the sterilisation department are meant exclusively for stray dogs.
“Only strays will be treated. Animal lovers often object if the dogs are not returned to their original locations, so we are ensuring they are sent back after treatment. The dog vans will continue operating across the city until the sterilisation of the remaining 4000 dogs is completed,” the official said.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
