The stray dog sterilisation camp of Kozhikode Corporation that was scheduled to be held in the Railway yard in Kozhikode from May 9 to 14 has been postponed indefinitely.
K. K. Baby, Veterinary Officer-in-charge of the project, said that the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), refused to take part in the camp citing that stray dog menace was a political issue and hence the camp could not be held while the election code of conduct was in force.
Dr. Baby said that attempts will be made to hold the camp after the elections are over in the State.
The Animal Birth Control programme of the Corporation has been facing stumbling blocks ever since it started in April 2015.
Though the Corporation has identified land for an ABC Centre at Poolakkadavu, it could not start the works due to public protest.
Many efforts to create awareness among the local people about the centre and its activities did not change the situation.
Meanwhile, around 150 stray dogs were sterilised in the first sterilisation camp held in April 2015.
The camp was organised with the help of experts from KVASU who conducted the surgeries in a mobile operation theatre.
Lack of funds
The Corporation could not hold any further camps due to lack of funds as well as scarcity of staff.
The one planned at the railway yard was to be the second camp.
The camp was to be conducted with the cooperation of the Railways, Sai Trust, Animal Lovers’ Club and Kerala Government Veterinary Officers Association, Kozhikode chapter.
The Kerala Government Veterinary Officers Association had organised an awareness camp last month for the people of the railway colony, railway staff as well as people in the nearby areas in preparation for the camp and to avoid confusion among them.
They were informed about rabies and how it could be controlled along with psychological tips to handle stray dogs.
