Bangalore Mirror published a story – A chip over its shoulder – on October 7 narrating how the plan of using microchips needs Rs 6 crore as there are around three lakh stray dogs in the city. Many animal and social activists termed the BBMP’s plan as nothing but a waste of tax-payers’ money. They also expressed concern over the health of stray dogs after microchips are inserted under their skin.
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.
According to the documents with Bangalore Mirror, Bangalore Urban District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences Deputy Director and Secretary of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals wrote a letter on September 28, 2021 to the Secretary of Animal Welfare Board of India to withhold the recognition proposal of Spandana Animal Welfare Trust till the case in honourable High Court is disposed of.
According to the documents available with BM, the helpline (1962) received 212 distress calls in May 2023 it seems the helpline receives more than six distress calls per day. However, staff managing the helpline do nothing much, except advising the team to look into the complaint and do the needful.