6 hrs ago
Activists Challenge Andhra Pradesh Stray Dog Control Programme
Andhra Pradesh has a large number of stray dogs, and cities use special programmes to prevent more puppies and vaccinate dogs against rabies.
Animal rights activists say some organisations doing this work are not properly approved.
They also say some veterinarians do not have enough experience.
One dog in Guntur reportedly died after an unsuccessful operation.
Activists worry that treatment records and ear markings may sometimes be manipulated to receive more money.
Officials disagree with the broad criticism and say experienced veterinarians are being used.
They say dog-bite cases have decreased after the programme was tightened.
The Centre has announced financial support for this work.
Different figures were reported for the number of dogs treated during different time periods.
Animal rights activists allege that some NGOs lack required Project Recognition Certificates for stray-dog birth control and vaccination work.
Activists say inexperienced veterinary doctors have performed botched surgeries, including one failed procedure in Guntur where a dog later died.
They also allege that ear-notching and treatment counts are manipulated to claim payments of Rs 1,650 per dog.
Officials say experienced veterinarians are being used and that stray-dog bites have declined after stricter implementation.
Andhra Pradesh has an estimated five lakh stray dogs across 123 urban local bodies, while government-funded programmes have treated tens of thousands.
- Who
- Animal rights activists, NGOs, veterinary doctors, Andhra Pradesh officials and municipal authorities are involved.
- What
- The report examines alleged problems in the animal birth control and anti-rabies vaccination programme for stray dogs.
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh, particularly Guntur and urban local bodies across the state.
- When
- Reported treatment figures cover January-June and April 1-September 30; a cited dog’s carcass remained on the road from Wednesday night until Friday evening.
- Why
- The programme is intended to control the stray-dog population, vaccinate dogs and reduce dog-bite risks.
Animal Rights Activists
Government and Municipal Officials
NGO approval
Animal Rights Activists
Activists allege that some NGOs obtain Project Recognition Certificates through dubious means, while others conduct the programme without the required certificate. They specifically allege that the Guntur NGO used a certificate belonging to another facility.
Government and Municipal Officials
Officials cited in the report say the programme is being implemented, with the municipal veterinary doctor stating that experienced veterinarians are being used.
Quality of surgeries
Animal Rights Activists
Activists say inexperienced veterinarians have carried out botched operations, citing a Guntur dog whose testicles were reportedly still intact after an animal birth control procedure and which was later found dead.
Government and Municipal Officials
The Guntur municipal veterinary doctor acknowledged that minor lapses may occur but said experienced veterinarians are performing the procedures.
Treatment records and results
Animal Rights Activists
Activists allege that ear-notching and treatment counts can be manipulated to claim payments, and say authorities generally ignore their complaints.
Government and Municipal Officials
The joint director of animal husbandry said the programme was being conducted strictly after two boys died in separate stray-dog attacks and that the number of bites had declined.
Key facts
- Estimated stray dogs
- About five lakh across 123 urban local bodies in Andhra Pradesh.
- Per-dog payment
- Rs 1,650 for animal birth control and anti-rabies vaccination, up from Rs 1,500.
- Reported ABC treatments
- 77,146 dogs from January to June, according to information given to the high court.
- Reported ARV treatments
- 80,056 dogs from January to June, according to information given to the high court.
- Later treatment count
- ABC/ARV work was reported for 96,000 stray dogs from April 1 to September 30.
- Financial incentive
- The Centre announced Rs 250 crore for conducting ABC/ARV work.
- Project approval
- Activists say participating NGOs must obtain a Project Recognition Certificate from the Animal Welfare Board.
Quotes
Dr KVV Satyanarayana
Guntur animal husbandry joint director
“We have been reporting the cases of lapses in the performing of ABC/ARV for stray dogs in the city to the higher authorities and filing cases with the police to ensure the programme is held properly for the benefit of civilians, but our calls are generally ignored by the authorities.”
deccanchronicle.com
“After the death of two boys in attacks by stray dogs, in two separate incidents a year ago, we are taking up ABC/ARV strictly. Hence, the number of stray dog bites has come down. Except for minor issues, we are implementing the programme in a proper manner.”
deccanchronicle.com
Animal rights activists
Activists alleging that inexperienced veterinary doctors are causing failed procedures and dog deaths
“Their lack of proper experience and exposure is resulting in situations leading to the death of stray dogs in botched up surgeries.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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