Udupi: Deputy Commissioner K Vidya Kumari has directed local bodies to allocate funds for sterilisation programmes to address the growing stray dog menace. During a special meeting of the District Prani Daya Sangha on Tuesday, the DC highlighted an increase in complaints of stray dog bites.
Municipal councils, town panchayats, and gram panchayats were instructed to budget for sterilisation efforts and conduct a census of stray dogs every three months. In the absence of a census, the number of stray dogs can be estimated at 2% of the local population, with half of this figure sterilised annually.
Compensation measures were also outlined: ₹5,000 for individuals injured in stray dog attacks and ₹5 lakh for fatalities, as per regulations. During 2023-24, 3,454 dogs were sterilised under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, while 1,462 dogs were sterilised between April and December 2024. The DC stressed that sterilisation figures must surpass last year’s totals.
The DC called for better coordination with animal welfare organisations and the department of animal husbandry to improve implementation. She also noted that despite budget allocations, sterilisation efforts had been hindered due to low participation from agencies.
Additionally, concerns were raised over unregulated animal rescue operations in Kerekatte, Saligrama. The DC directed the forest and animal husbandry departments to take action. PR Yogesh, of the District Legal Services Authority, emphasized the importance of adhering to animal welfare laws and respecting animals’ right to coexist.
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