With the shocking incident of a toddler getting mauled to death by stray dogs, the GVMC plans to sterilise 30,000 dogs in the next three months by roping in the Animal Husbandry Department.
However, compared to the present pace, it is a tall order.
As of now, on an average, the GVMC at its shelter at Arilova is carrying out 15 to 20 surgeries and an NGO about 20.
Of the one lakh stray dog population the city has, 70,000 have so far been covered under the animal birth control (ABC) programme.
ABC programme
To meet the stiff target of sterilising 30,000 dogs in three months, a whopping 330 operations have to be performed every day.
At least seven shelters will be opened at the veterinary dispensaries of the State Government in the city to take up the sterilisation under the ABC programme.
Veterinary assistant surgeons, along with a member of an NGO recognised by the Animal Welfare Board, would also identify ferocious dogs that could be put to sleep using a standard operating procedure.
The GVMC officials will address a formal letter to the Animal Husbandry Department to open the shelters and spare veterinary assistant surgeons for the sterilisation drive. At each of the centres, 10 to 15 surgeries are planned to be performed, say sources.
Drive continues
The drive to catch stray dogs continued for the second day. On Sunday, from the Submarine Museum to NTR Statue and from there to Harbour Park and Siripuram, a total of 16 were caught.
On Saturday, the 20 dogs caught were handed over to the NGO as the GVMC shelter was full.
Four of the dogs were not sterilised.
The civic body plans to sterilise 30,000 strays in the next three months by roping in Animal Husbandry Dept.
