BMC to double kennel strength

Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) will double the number of kennels at Sahid Nagar Veterinary Hospital from the existing 120 to expedite the process of sterilisation of stray dogs.
With the stray dog menace continuing to haunt the Smart City, the civic body has taken the initiative to check the capital’s canine population.
At present, 20 dogs on an average are sterilised daily. Stray dogs are caught and brought to the veterinary hospital for sterilisation. The animals need at least two-day hospitalisation and rest at the kennel before they are discharged and released at the place from where they were caught.
BMC deputy commissioner Ramesh Jena said they have given a proposal to the public works department (PWD) to construct the new kennels. The proposal is likely to be accepted soon, he added.
BMC officials said, at present, 600 dogs are sterilised per month. The number is very less compared to the birth of canines every winter, they added.
Dog-catching squads have been directed to work in morning and bring the stray dogs to the veterinary hospital where four doctors handle the sterilisation process. Also, the civic body plans to launch mobile sterilisation initiative.
Around 180 dog bite cases are reported per day at Capital Hospital here.
Stray dogs are seen roaming in all arteries, hospitals, bus stand, railway station, shops, markets and near residential areas.
People, especially pedestrians and bikers, are often chased or attacked by canines.