Govt planning to appoint animal lovers to feed dogs at ABC centres

ALAPPUZHA: The government is planning to appoint animal lovers to feed dogs at ABC (Animal Birth Control) centres. ABC centres are facilities set up to sterilise stray dogs and provide anti-rabies vaccination. The system will be implemented by the Local Self-Government Department with the support of the Animal Husbandry Department. Both departments will soon issue orders in this regard.

The move comes at a time when the Supreme Court has criticised Kerala for the poor functioning of the ABC system, even as complaints about stray dog attacks continue to rise in the state. The government aims to seek the support of animal lovers and the general public for stray dog management and rabies prevention.

After dogs are caught for sterilisation, they need to be fed and cared for for six days until they recover from surgery and are released back to the same area. Although ABC centres have kitchens and staff for this purpose, the rising number of stray dogs has placed a heavy burden on local bodies.

Aim to reduce nuisance on street

At present, animal lovers and others feed stray dogs on the streets at all hours. Since food is easily available, dogs tend to stay on roads and in public places, leading to complaints. Officials believe that if animal lovers are encouraged to provide their services at ABC centres and proposed dog shelters, the number of complaints can be reduced.

The Local Self-Government and Animal Husbandry departments have decided to involve animal lovers as feeders at ABC centres. The project will be implemented in all ABC centres soon.
-Project Director, ABC, Local Self-Government Department.