Bengaluru: BBMP floats new tenders, lays down stricter norms
Nithya Mandyam | TNN | Updated: Feb 28, 2019, 07:34 IST
Representative imageBENGALURU: Failing to control the stray dog menace in the city despite spending crores of rupees on the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has floated fresh tenders, which are said to be more stringent and scientific in nature.
D Randeep, BBMP special commissioner, said the civic agency, has faced flak from the public due to problems in the ABC programme. “Earlier, anyone and everyone, even those without any experience in handling dogs, was engaged in the drive. We don’t want to make any more mistakes and have put stringent clauses in place,” he added.
The tender documents available with TOI said only a veterinary practitioner who has completed bachelors in veterinary science (BVSC) from a recognized university with a minimum of two years experience in ABC surgery, can be roped in for the programme. “Even the operation theatre assistant and paravets must be experienced in ABC procedure-related support services as per the new tender rules. The stray dog catcher must have experience and training in catching dogs in a humane manner as per the prescribed standard operating procedures (SOP),” the documents said.
A senior BBMP official said the agency has spent Rs 3.3 crore on the ABC programme for 2017-18, and the expenditure is yet to be calculated for 2018-19. The programme involves sterilising male and female stray dogs, administering of anti-rabies vaccines and deworming the animals before releasing them back to the same area from where they were caught after they have recovered.
Citizen activist Priya Chetty Rajagopal welcomed the move and said, “With the increasing number of stray dogs in the city, there a risk of spread of diseases associated with some of them. We need to vaccinate strays so that the diseases don’t spread to other dogs or humans.”
Residents want the civic agency to end the stray dog menace. Malini Kumaran, a resident of Kaggadasapura, said the situation is horrible in her area, especially during night. “The dogs keep barking at night. Even during the day, children are afraid to play outside,” she added.
Vibha Harishkumar, a resident of Indiranagar, said puppies dying in accidents are not covered by the programme.
D Randeep, BBMP special commissioner, said the civic agency, has faced flak from the public due to problems in the ABC programme. “Earlier, anyone and everyone, even those without any experience in handling dogs, was engaged in the drive. We don’t want to make any more mistakes and have put stringent clauses in place,” he added.
The tender documents available with TOI said only a veterinary practitioner who has completed bachelors in veterinary science (BVSC) from a recognized university with a minimum of two years experience in ABC surgery, can be roped in for the programme. “Even the operation theatre assistant and paravets must be experienced in ABC procedure-related support services as per the new tender rules. The stray dog catcher must have experience and training in catching dogs in a humane manner as per the prescribed standard operating procedures (SOP),” the documents said.
A senior BBMP official said the agency has spent Rs 3.3 crore on the ABC programme for 2017-18, and the expenditure is yet to be calculated for 2018-19. The programme involves sterilising male and female stray dogs, administering of anti-rabies vaccines and deworming the animals before releasing them back to the same area from where they were caught after they have recovered.
Citizen activist Priya Chetty Rajagopal welcomed the move and said, “With the increasing number of stray dogs in the city, there a risk of spread of diseases associated with some of them. We need to vaccinate strays so that the diseases don’t spread to other dogs or humans.”
Residents want the civic agency to end the stray dog menace. Malini Kumaran, a resident of Kaggadasapura, said the situation is horrible in her area, especially during night. “The dogs keep barking at night. Even during the day, children are afraid to play outside,” she added.
Vibha Harishkumar, a resident of Indiranagar, said puppies dying in accidents are not covered by the programme.
more from times of india Cities
LATEST VIDEOS
All Comments ()+^ Back to Top
Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive. Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.
HIDE