Build more kennels, create space for rabid dogs: MCD panel after inspecting five ABC centres

The team comprised standing committee chairperson Satya Sharma, members from the veterinary and engineering departments, and animal welfare consultants.

At the centre in Dwarka’s Sector 29, the MCD had earlier said a space of 2-2.5 acres is available. The team discussed how kennels and other facilities can be constructed in this space to step up the sterilisation process.

Sunder Singh, sub-committee chairman, said, “Separate spaces will be allocated for aggressive dogs. This was a formal inspection, but we will carry out surprise inspections as well.”

Committee member Yogesh Verma said kennels will be marked to keep dogs separate from the aggressive and rabid ones. “If we increase the number of doctors and staff at the ABC centres, we can increase the capacity of dogs,” Verma said, adding that every centre has been instructed to make space for 50-100 ‘aggressive’ dogs.

At each centre, the team also enquired about the existing dog capacity, the number of sterilisations done per day, and staff strength.

At the Bijwasan ABC centre, Sharma said the process has already been initiated to seek permission to start building extra tin sheds in the space available. “Further, we asked the ABC centres to increase the number of sterilisations and vaccinations, and fill empty kennels,” she said.

Dr Abhishek, who is associated with Friendicoes — which runs hospitals and shelters — and has worked at the Bijwasan centre for the last 10 years, suggested that the committee consider the summer heat while constructing the kennels.

“During summer, the tins get very hot, so the height has to be accurate. A proper drainage system should also be in place,” he said, adding that these should be prioritised during the planning stage.

Some of the centres inspected lacked basic facilities. The Indian Express found that the drains were clogged with animal poop, while others had abandoned buildings covered with moss. At the Masoodpur centre, dog ambulances lay in a corner, with trees and shrubs taking over the vehicles.

Sharma said the drains must be cleaned and the abandoned buildings either demolished or revamped.

Sharma added that the process of identifying suitable places for creating feeding spots for stray dogs has already begun. She said the MCD will also seek the cooperation of the Delhi government in this regard and will formally request the provision of land for developing dog shelter homes and feeding spots so that a permanent solution to this issue can be achieved.