Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Hindu
The Hindu
National
The Hindu Bureau

Call to make ABC centres functional in Alappuzha

Amid growing concerns over the stray dog menace, the District Development Committee (DDC) has directed the authorities to make two Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres at Kanichukulangara and Alappuzha operational in a week.

P.P. Chitharanjan, MLA, who raised the issue at the DDC meeting on Saturday, rapped the officials for their lackadaisical attitude in curbing the menace. U. Prathibha, MLA, also brought the issue to the notice of the authorities.

Urgent measures

Considering the seriousness of the matter, District Collector John V. Samuel directed the officials concerned to take urgent measures to make the centres functional.

Earlier this year, an ABC centre set up under the aegis of Alappuzha district panchayat was opened at Kanichukulangara near Cherthala. However, the facility constructed at a cost of ₹22 lakh has not yet been made fully functional.

Another ABC centre set up at Sea View ward in Alappuzha municipality with funding from the district panchayat has not been opened yet. Both the centres are equipped with operation theatres, recovery rooms, and kennels among other facilities for sterilising dogs.

Strict provisions

Officials of the Animal Husbandry department said that strict provisions set by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) had delayed the commencement of sterilisation and other activities at the centres. “Steps have been taken to obtain the final nod for the ABC centres. We are hopeful of making the centres fully operational soon,” said an official.

Officials said that tenders had been floated for setting up various facilities, including 50 cages, as per the specifications issued by the AWBI. The authorities will also have to find AWBI-approved agencies for capturing and shifting strays to the ABC unit for sterilisation.

Besides strays, pet animals could be sterilised at the facilities.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.