Canine troubles: Kaloor tops the chart

: When it comes to areas that have a high density of stray dog population, Kaloor tops the chart, say experts. The veterinarians who are leading the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme did a quick survey on the stray dog population to compile the list. Line transect was the method employed for assessing the dog density in the city.

Kaloor was followed by Ernakulam South and Ernakulam North railway station areas, Fort Kochi and Palluruthy in the city.

In Kaloor, packs of dogs were seen roaming the streets near Jawaharlal Nehru International stadium, Manappattyparambu and the areas between Kaloor and Kathrikadavu. Stray dogs were spotted close to the market near the eastern entry point of the South Railway station and Kadavanthra, according to the report.

Under the ABC programme of the Kochi Corporation, trained dog catchers have caught canines from Kaloor and Ernakulam South and North railway station areas. Currently, they are working in the Fort Kochi area. The netted animals were sterilised and vaccinated at the facility set up by the Kochi Corporation at Brahmapuram, said K.J. Kishorekumar, who is leading the ABC campaign.

Around 150 dogs have been operated upon since the launch of the campaign. On an average, 20 dogs are caught and brought to the centre daily, he said. If one could vaccinate 70 per cent of the dogs in an area against rabies, the herd could achieve immunity against the disease. It is estimated that rabies leads to 30 to 40 deaths in a year, he added.

Culling not an option

The veterinarian, who suggests ABC as the effective tool to check canine population, felt that only 20 to 30 per cent of the stray dog population could be culled in a humane manner.

Even if one is employing the most inhumane measures, only 40 to 45 per cent dogs could be put down. However, the population would proliferate considering the reproductive features of canines.

These dogs thrive from the food that reaches the street along with refuse. If food is not available in one area, they may move to other areas where it would be available. ABC would help in stabilising the canine population, assured Dr. Kishorekumar, who specialises in veterinary public health affairs.