The vaccination drive for pet dogs organised here on Sunday as part of ‘Jeevanam Athijeevanam’, a stray dog survey and awareness campaign of the Kozhikode Municipal Corporation, was noted for the extensive participation of dog owners from across the city.
The drive was the second phase of a project intended to be a precursor to the opening of the Animal Birth Control Centre and multispeciality veterinary hospital at Poolakkadavu. Booths were set up in every ward for free vaccination and general health check up.
‘Jeevanam Athijeevanam’ was kicked off on Saturday by Minister for Local-Self Government K.T. Jaleel. The project is being implemented with the help of Indian Veterinary Association, Animal Husbandry Department and Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Wayanad. Fifty National Service Scheme volunteers from the university are carrying out the survey. The services of local residents’ associations and ward committees have been enlisted to identify places where dogs regularly camp. Night vision cameras have been set up in select locations to aid the survey. Besides, there is also a mobile application developed by the World Wide Veterinary Service.
An awareness class for schoolchildren on how to handle ferocious street dogs is a major part of the programme, as children are quite often the victims of dog bite.
The class will be opened by Mayor Thottathil Raveendran at St.Antony’s UP School on Monday. Secretary of Indian Veterinary Association, Kozhikode, P.P. Bineesh will conduct the class. Similar classes will be arranged in around 30 schools in the city.
A detailed seminar covering various aspects of stray dog menace in the State will be held at Tagore Centenary Hall on Tuesday. Various characteristics of dogs, stray dog problem and solutions, and rabies infection will be discussed.
‘Jeevanam Athijeevanam’ will conclude on March 10. Minister for Animal Protection and Dairy Development K. Raju will be the chief guest at the valedictory function to be held at Town Hall. Director of the Department of Animal Husbandry N.N. Sasi will deliver the keynote address. Reports of the survey held over the week will also be presented on the occasion.
