Concern about issue of stray dog population

Chennai, Mar 13 (UNI) The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), the Blue Cross of India (BCI) and the People for Animals, Chennai (PfA) expressed strong concern about the issue of stray dog population and the unscientific ineffective control methods being used in the Country.

Addressing a joint press conference here yesterday, the welfare bodies said the increase in population of stray dogs, especially in the urban and suburban areas, and consequent inconveniences to the public and the concerns of municipal administration all over India required immediate consideration and practical solutions.

They analysed the factors and circumstances for the considerable increase of stray dog population, which included manifold increase in housing, multistoried buildings promoting concentrated dwelling in flats, output of enormous edible waste (for dogs to survive and multiply), increase in roadside eateries and diminishing open areas.

It was pointed out that in the given situation, it was imperative that municipal bodies take up effective measures to control stray dog population not withstanding the reasons.

The three important components of the proven, scientific and successful method of stray dog population control included effective removal of edible wastes (solid waste management), intensive Animal Birth Control (ABC), mass Anti-Rabies (AR) and vaccination of all the stray and owned dogs.

Animal Welfare Board of India Vice Chairman Appaji Rao said ''when implemented, these procedures will surely result in effective control of stray dog population as well as gross reduction in the occurrence of rabies in human beings and animals''.

This three-pronged approach had reduced the stray dog population in the city. It also had a profound impact showing the decrease in human rabies case, which had reduced from 135 cases in 1995 to five cases in 2006, Dr Appaji added.

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