The BBMP aims to double the number of spaying and neutering of strays this fiscal year. However, the civic body is struggling to find land for the animal birth control (ABC) centres in the city, especially in Mahadevapura and Bommanahalli zones. As per survey data, there are 58,377 stray dogs in Mahadevapura and 39,183 stray dogs in Bommanahalli.
The owners concerned are leaving no stone unturned to ensure safe return of their pets. Animal activists blamed the police and Karnataka State Pollution Control Board for being negligent towards ensuring the public follow the apex court’s order.
The Urban Development Department Under Secretary issued an order on October 30 to municipalities, taluk panchayats and city corporations to constitute a four-member committee to consider the applications of dog bite victims.
BBMP Animal Husbandry Assistant Director Dr Amrutesh has said that pet owners are responsible for taking care of dog poop. “The pet owners are supposed to carry biodegradable poop bags and scooper while taking their pets to public places. I want the pet owners not to cause inconvenience to school children,” said Dr Amrutesh.
BBMP Animal Husbandry Joint Director had issued a circular on March 31, 2023, stating that three rescue and squad vehicles are available for such activities and these vehicles are placed at ABC Centres at the Veterinary Hospitals at Chamarajpet, Cantonment Veterinary Hospital, and Medi Agrahara, Yelahanka. The circular also gives the vehicle registration number and name and contact number of the driver. But even animal activists are not aware of such a facility. And they have to depend on the Helpline 1962 which also does not have information on rescue and squad vehicles.