Kochi to be declared first 'ABC City' in Kerala

Kochi, Nov 15 (UNI) Kochi is to be declared as the first Corporation in Kerala to implement the ABC (Animal Birth Control) programme of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), District Collector A P M Mohammad Hanish said today.

Talking to reporters here, Mr Hanish said Kochi will be declared as the first ABC city in Kerala at a public function on November 19, which will be attended by several well known animal rights activists, including MP Maneka Gandhi, actor Amala and Dr Chinni Krishna of Blue Cross, Chennai.

The ABC programme, which involves sterilisation of stray dogs, is being supported by the AWBI, which will give Rs 4.45 lakh for it.

The programme will be implemented by the Ernakulam Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in coordination with the Kochi Corporation and the State Department of Animal Husbandry.

Former minister K V Thomas, MLA, said in case of any fund shortage, he will meet the gap through his MLA Area Development Fund.

Mr Hanish, Chairman of the Ernakulam SPCA, said the organisation will hold a series of presentations and deliberations on animal welfare themes on November 18 and 19.

UNI ARC ROY BDP DS1230