Hyderabad: Stray dog attacks are increasing every day, even though the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) says it has boosted its Animal Birth Control (ABC) efforts.
Members of the Residential Welfare Association (RWA) are asking the State government to include them in ABC programs to improve animal welfare in their communities. They also want more ABC centers to be set up across the city.
RWAs and animal activists have noted that dog bite incidents are rising rapidly, but there are only a few ABC centers in the State. Within the GHMC limits, there are about five centers, and they are not functioning properly. Additionally, stray dogs are not receiving anti-rabies injections.
Syed Khaled Shah, a member of the United Federation of Residents Welfare Associations, said, “RWAs have been pushing for better animal welfare and public health measures. We believe that setting up more ABC centers is crucial to address dog bites and ensure the well-being of both humans and animals. When Andhra Pradesh was united, we worked with the civic body, and it would be beneficial to collaborate again.”
Animal activists stressed the need for more ABC centers. They mentioned that according to a High Court order, ABC operations should be conducted and centers established in each municipality to control the dog population and ensure vaccinations for stray dogs. Currently, ABC centers exist only within GHMC limits, and even those are not operating correctly. Due to the State government’s negligence, the stray dog problem has worsened. If vaccinations and ABC operations are done on time, this issue can be managed.
