Cuddalore Corporation plans to bolster animal birth control measures

Cuddalore Municipal Corporation restructuring ABC programme to control stray dog population with new facilities and efficient sterilisation.

The Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme at the Cuddalore Municipal Corporation is set to be restructured, including the way the stray dogs are impounded, their upkeep, augmentation of facilities and other related infrastructure, besides effective implementation of sterilisation and vaccination programme.

The Corporation has proposed establishment of infrastructure facilities at another location in Cuddalore. At present, the existing facility in Manjakuppam has two kennels to house stray dogs and an operation theatre. Though it was recently renovated, there have been demands that the ABC programme be strengthened.

As per official estimates, over 6,000 stray dogs have been identified within the limits of the civic body. The Corporation had selected International Trust of Peace, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), for carrying out the ABC programme. The programme commenced in November 2024 and 700 dogs have been sterilised so far.

“We have planned the strengthening of the existing programme by adding more facilities and other related infrastructure at a new location in Cuddalore. As many as 25 kennels have been planned. The facilities also include an operation theatre with pre-operative and post-operative wards. The NGO has been instructed to focus on quality, efficiency, compassion and adherence to guidelines, as mandated by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). The corporation will not just monitor targets, but also monitor the quality of the procedures undertaken,” Corporation Commissioner S. Anu told The Hindu.

The NGO has engaged six persons, including veterinarians, have been appointed for the ABC programme. On a daily average, 13 to 15 dogs are caught and taken to the ABC facility.

The Corporation has fixed a sum of ₹1,650 for each dog. The fee includes catching, surgery, post-operative care, ARV vaccination and relocation, as per the norms of AWBI. The NGO has been given a target of 400 sterilisations per month.

As part of the ABC programme, cooked food will be ensured for the dogs, which will have to be kept at the centre for five days after sterilisation. The dogs will subsequently be released back at the place of their capture after affixing tags for identification.