The second phase of ‘Mission Rabies’ which is aimed at sterilisation of stray dogs under Animal Birth Control Project began here on Tuesday.
Around 5,000 dogs in outer areas of the city and in municipalities and town panchayats will be sterilised in a special drive to be conducted till the end of this month.
The Madurai Corporation in collaboration with World Veterinary Service (WVS) and with the support of the district administration is implementing the ‘Mission Rabies’ programme to prevent rabies caused to humans due to dog bites.
Mayor V.V. Rajan Chellappa, Commissioner Kiran Gurrala and City Health Officer V. Yasodha Mani visited the well-equipped sterilisation centre at Sellur here on Tuesday where an intensive training programme is also being conducted for veterinarians and supporting staff for 10 days.
“Dog bites became a menace and this sterilisation campaign will put an end to it. It is for the safety of people,” the Mayor told a press conference after his meeting with WVS team.
Appupillai Murugan, South India Regional Manager- Mission Rabies, WVS India, said that the highlight of second phase was the arrival of all-terrain modern veterinary operation truck which would be positioned at Corporation’s Sellur centre.
“In the first phase conducted in September last, 8,533 dogs were sterilised in the city. Now, we are focusing on outer areas such as Tirumangalam, Melur and Tirupparankundram,” he said. Last month, Collector L.Subramanian convened a meeting to discuss the implementation of second phase of ‘Mission Rabies.’
Dr.Murugan said that the modern mobile unit had all facilities inside, including surgery tables, X-ray and scan machines. Through ‘Mission Rabies,’ public awareness of preventing rabies cases and training for veterinary doctors would be undertaken.
Special programmes for schoolchildren would be conducted during this month in panchayat schools by the WVS members. “All guidelines on animal safety are followed and there is no scope for cruelty at all. Birth control is the best way to contain rabies and prevent deaths caused by dog bites,” he added.
