Haveri
Public anger has grown in Haveri city after four children were reportedly attacked by stray dogs. Residents have accused the Haveri City Municipal Council of failing to control the rising stray dog population and ensure public safety.
Locals say the city has more than 1,400 stray dogs, but sterilisation work has been extremely slow. Although a sterilisation centre was set up at the APMC market last November with an investment of Rs 12 lakh, only around 162 to 170 dogs have been treated so far. Citizens claim that even 10 dogs a day are not being sterilised regularly, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the programme.
Following the recent attacks, municipal staff conducted a drive and captured over 10 stray dogs from Shivajinagar and nearby areas. Officials also identified several locations with high stray dog activity.
Municipal Commissioner Kantaraju said the administration is working with the Animal Husbandry Department to catch and sterilise stray dogs. He said the lack of contractors has slowed the process, forcing the department to carry out operations directly.
He added that sterilised dogs are kept under observation for three days and then released back into the same area. The municipality has also vaccinated many dogs against rabies and plans to sterilise around 670 dogs this year.
Officials have urged the public to cooperate, avoid provoking animals, and immediately report aggressive or suspected rabid dogs. Authorities also advised citizens to seek medical treatment at government hospitals in case of dog bites.
