T.N. to intensify animal population control measures; to upgrade necessary infrastructure

In view of the uncontrolled breeding of community dogs reported in the State and the challenges they pose, the Tamil Nadu government has launched a slew of measures to control their population. In line with the notification of the Animal Welfare Board of India issued last month, a committee has been constituted over population control measures.

During a review meeting chaired by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in the Secretariat in Chennai on Friday, the government drafted a multi-pronged approach involving various departments and local bodies to deal with the menace.

About 500 veterinarians and as many individuals in local bodies were to be trained in securing dogs so that they could be administered population control measures. Infrastructure was set to be upgraded in about 100 veterinary hospitals across the State so that population control surgeries in animals could be performed.

A total of 72 homes would be set up to house abandoned and or wounded dogs and local bodies would allot land necessary for these homes. Non-governmental organisations were to be roped in to run these homes.

Dog shelters with facilities to undertake population control measures would be established in various locations across the State. An additional fund allocation would be made towards involving private veterinarians to control population control techniques at the district level.

In line with the notification issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India on April 11 this year, a committee has been constituted under the Secretary of the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department to coordinate efforts at the State-level over animal birth control measures.

The meeting also decided that the Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board would appoint officers to monitor the implementation of these measures through the local bodies at the district level. Funds were to be allocated in this regard.

In addition to the five centres in Greater Chennai Corporation, 10 more animal birth control centres would be established. Additionally, 10 veterinary facilities would also be established by the Greater Chennai Corporation.

Ministers K.N. Nehru, Anitha R. Radhakrishnan and Ma. Subramanian; Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam and senior officials were also present.

Officials from the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Finance, Municipal Administration and Water Supply and Animal Husbandry Departments and the Greater Chennai Corporation were also present.