In a significant step to address public safety and animal welfare, the Haveri City Municipal Council (CMC) has officially launched its first-ever dedicated centre for sterilising stray dogs. The facility was inaugurated on Friday in response to growing concerns from local residents about the increasing number of street dogs causing disturbances, especially after dark.
A Proactive Response to Public Concern
The new sterilisation centre is strategically located at the old APMC market on Guttal Road. The formal inauguration was carried out by Vijay Mahantesh Danammanavar, the Deputy Commissioner and Administrator of Haveri CMC. This initiative is a direct implementation of the Supreme Court's directives and the existing Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules. The programme involves systematically capturing stray dogs, performing sterilisation surgeries, and providing them with three days of post-operative care before releasing them back to their original locations.
Veterinary officers from the animal husbandry department are responsible for conducting the surgeries and managing the aftercare. A recent survey estimates that there are approximately 1,562 stray dogs within Haveri city limits, highlighting the scale of the challenge.
Comprehensive Coverage and Government Funding
The CMC's plan extends beyond general street dogs. The authority has outlined a comprehensive strategy that includes capturing, sterilising, and vaccinating dogs found on premises of private and government schools, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stations, and railway stations. Aggressive strays will also be included in this drive.
CMC Commissioner H Kantharaju provided details on the funding, stating, "The government has allocated Rs 1,762 per dog for capture, sterilisation, and three days of post-surgery care before release." He added that the municipality will also bear the cost of managing dogs captured from hospital and school premises at a local shelter.
Expansion and Innovative Facilities in the District
Deputy Commissioner Danammanavar revealed that similar basic facilities and treatment programmes are already operational in other parts of the district, including Byadgi, Hangal, and Ranebennur, where more than 400 dogs have already been sterilised. The programme is set to expand soon to Shiggaon and other taluks.
In a related and innovative development, the Byadagi Town Municipal Council has set up a special animal care facility. Constructed at a cost of Rs 4.5 lakh near the sewage treatment plant on Taredahalli Road, this shed features separate enclosures with food and water arrangements. Notably, it includes an air-conditioned room specifically to assist during surgical procedures. Officials reported that out of an estimated 400 stray dogs across Byadagi's 23 wards, 300 have already been sterilised and released after care.
This multi-pronged approach across Haveri district represents a concerted effort to manage the stray dog population humanely, control the spread of rabies, and address the legitimate safety concerns of citizens, creating a more harmonious urban environment for all.
