Haryana to ‘count and pay’ in stray dog scheme

The SSCBC will be supported by representatives of the public health department of the local authority and the animal welfare department,a veterinary doctor and a representative of the district Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA),among other officials.

“The genital organs of sterilised dogs are to be preserved in formalin solution by the implementing agency — Animal Husbandry Department,” says the government release. “The SSCBC shall supervise and check the whole programme. An inspection team comprising of officers of Society shall make regular inspection for verification and counting of genital organs of dogs sterilized by the Animal Husbandry Department. On the basis of number of genital organs counted,the Municipalities shall release the payment to the Animal Husbandry Department.”

The release adds that provisions of the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules,2001 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act must be “adhered to without any exception”.

Neeru Sidhu of SPCA said the removal of the animals’ reproductive organs was safe. “The surgery is performed on the animal and it is absolutely safe. The organs are preserved and handed over to the municipalities. Proper record of the surgery is maintained,” Sidhu said.

Dr M R Singla of the Haryana Pet Medical Centre said,“We remove the genital organs of both male and female dogs and preserve them. It is a standard procedure. We shall now be starting it in Haryana as well. It is an absolute safe procedure that is followed worldwide.”

P K Das,principal secretary,animal husbandry,said,“We are going to launch this programme soon to curb the increasing population of dogs. As far as the procedure is concerned,I am not aware of the technicalities,but the officers will keep a record of all things and payments shall be made by the urban local bodies”.