The Corporation authorities must protest the public from stray dogs and enforce birth control programme strictly
Hubballi
In recent months, the twin cities have seen a significant surge in complaints about stray dogs, with the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) control room overwhelmed by calls from concerned residents.
The escalating issue has raised widespread community concerns, as stray dogs pose potential risks to public safety and hygiene. The absence of a comprehensive strategy to address the problem has escalated the situation, leaving residents feeling vulnerable and neglected.
Corporator Najeer Honyal said people are frustrated over the apparent inaction of the HDMC, even after complaining to the control room. The lack of effective measures to control the stray dog population has led to an increase in incidents, including dog bites and disturbances in residential areas, parks, and marketplaces.
Sources in HDMC report that complaints to the control room have been increasing over the past six months.
From February to date, the control room has received over 1,800 complaints, with more than 500 complaints registered in July alone regarding the stray dog menace. This surge has heightened public fears and raised questions about the efficiency and responsiveness of the municipal authorities.
Dr Pandurang Patil, former Mayor, said to address this growing concern, the HDMC must take immediate and decisive action. This includes strengthening Animal Birth Control (ABC) initiatives and conducting regular awareness drives to educate the public on the importance of sterilisation and proper garbage disposal.
HDMC Commissioner Rudresh Ghali stated that a drive was conducted on Gokul Road with the assistance of the police department, resulting in the capture of a large number of stray dogs. The HDMC has also initiated the establishment of a sterilisation centre in Shivalli Village to implement ABC programmes, targeting the sterilisation of at least 200 dogs daily. HDMC is focusing on increasing dog sterilisations, he added.
