Drive to sterilise stray dogs

Thiruvananthapuram: The meeting convened by Chief Minister Pinarai Vijayan to find solutions to the stray dog menace on Monday decided to engage trained dog catchers to catch and sterilise stray dogs.

The meeting was convened against the background of stray dogs killing an aged woman at Pulluvila recently.

In areas where stray dog menace is serious, the sterilisation drive will start from September 1. Camps will be organised for this purpose.

The meeting also decided to start a State wide long-term drive to check the population of stray dogs. The district collectors will be in charge of the drive. Stray dogs will be caught by panchayats and sterilised at special camps. There will also be arrangements for protection and treatment of dogs.

The project will be carried out with the cooperation of animal welfare organisation. Besides doctors for Department of Animal Welfare, veterinary doctors would be engaged on contract basis for the drive.  Space for housing dogs will be found in government farms.

Meanwhile, the Thiruvananthpuram Corporation decided to kill stray dogs and take steps to check disposal of waste materials on the coast and other places by butchers and others.