The model set by Palakkad district in effectively checking stray dog menace would be replicated across the state soon with Local Affairs Department establishing sterilisation centres at each block level. Palakkad was able to sterilise 12,014 dogs in the last one year period through sterilisation centres started in five blocks. It assumes significance as other districts in the State were able to sterilise only 6000 dogs in the period.
Declaring Palakkad as first kennel-friendly district of the State at a function held here on Saturday, Local Affairs Minister K.T. Jaleel lauded local bodies in the district and Animal Husbandry Department officials for making rapid strides on checking the street dog menace.
The sterilisation drive was conducted at a total cost of ₹1.72 crore. While the district panchayat contributed ₹10 lakh to the initiative, each of the block panchayats contributed ₹3.5 lakh. The grama panchayats had contributed ₹3.5 lakh each.
According to senior veterinary surgeon Jojo David, who coordinated the initiative, the next step is making Palakkad completely rabies-free. Maximum dogs — both street dogs and domestic ones — will be administered with anti-rabies vaccination.
The Minister said the project to be replicated across the State would aim at sterilising stray dogs than killing them en masse. Rest of the street dogs in Palakkad also would be sterilised on a war footing.
“The street dogs are playing a significant role in preventing diseases like plague. So we are giving preference to sterilisation,” said Jaleel.
The Minister had also used the occasion to honour district panchayat president K. Shanthakumari, veterinarians S. Venugopalan Nair and C. Madhu for effectively implementing the Palakkad project.
M. Biju Prasad was felicitated for being the best veterinary doctor among the district’s animal birth control team. Pradeep Gopal was honoured as best dog-catcher and Suresh Babu won the prize for being the best attender.