‘21,770 community dogs in Erode district’

Collector S. Kandasamy has said that, as per the 20th Livestock Census, there are 21,770 community dogs in the district. To prevent harm and losses to humans and livestock, Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres have been established at three locations.

The Collector inspected the ABC surgical centre for community dogs functioning at the Veterinary Hospital in Kavundapadi. He said that centres with surgical facilities are functioning at three veterinary hospitals in Perundurai, Kavundapadi and Modakkurichi.

Community dogs are systematically captured by local body staff and subjected to comprehensive health examinations, he said. The sterilisation procedures are carried out by trained veterinary assistant surgeons. After surgery, the dogs are kept under observation for five days and cared for by the local bodies. They are also administered anti-rabies vaccination before being released at the same locations from where they were captured.

During the inspection, the Collector enquired in detail about the surgical procedures and post-operative care provided to the animals.

Regional Joint Director of Animal Husbandry S. Bhaskar, Deputy Director M. Murugan and Assistant Directors were present.