Existing kennels for pets at the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Chennai, will be modernised and additionally 14 new kennels would be constructed on its Vepery premises, said Harish L. Metha, president of the organisation.
Mr. Metha told The Hindu that at present 16 kennels were functioning and the new kennels are expected to be ready before the end of this year.
When asked about the poor and unhygienic conditions prevailing in front of the kennels, Mr. Metha said the entire place would be spruced up before taking up construction of 14 new modernised kennels.
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Looking for land
The organisation is looking for land in Red Hills or Madhavaram area. The land would be fenced and it would function as a shelter for cows and buffalos, he said.
At present, a hotel is functioning in the property belonging to the SPCA. The organisation decided to increase the rent for this commercial building. Mr. Metha said additional revenue from the rent would be ploughed back for taking up various animal welfare activities.
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Inspectors would be given a target for booking cases of cruelties inflicted on animals. If the inspectors exceed their target, they would get incentives additionally. Similarly, the organisation is building a dozen quarters for its servants.
Half of the works in the buildings were over and they would be ready before the end of this year, he said.
Vidya Reddy, an animal lover, suggested ambulances be operated round the clock. At present, ambulances were operated between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. only. The organisation could also think of operating a paid ambulance service, she opined. A response cell to cruelty complaints needed to be created, as there is a great demand for this service in the city of late.
Animal birth control programme must be restarted on a massive scale with adequate infrastructure.
The organisation could concentrate on organisational ABCs, she said. Sheds on the premises, which were rented out to park cars, must be recovered.
Boarding facilities have to be completely revamped. Complete overhaul of the sewage system, pest control, de-ticking and fumigating have to be done.
Apart from this, animal keepers have to undergo a training as well as supervision, she added.