To cope up with the ever increasing menace of stray dogs in the city and its outskirts, the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has decided to start fresh census of dogs in its limits so that exact number of stray dogs is ascertained and the sterilization process to control their birth is carried out in an effective manner.
“The last census of stray dogs was conducted by a private agency around 2 years back but now the JMC has decided to conduct census of dogs on its own to ascertain their exact number,” Municipal Veterinary Officer (MVO), JMC, Dr Zaffar Iqbal told Greater.
He said, “Very soon, a proposal in this regard will be submitted to the JMC Commissioner for approval”.
In addition to this, the MVO said that the JMC will also start sterilization of stray dogs which has been stopped since the last around 4 months due to certain reasons
Dr Zaffar said that very soon tenders will be floated by the JMC for hiring veterinary doctors after which sterilization of dogs will be started.
“The census and sterilization of dogs will go simultaneously so that the menace is curbed effectively,” the MVO said.
The last census of stray dogs in the city and its outskirts was conducted by a private agency around 2 years back as per which the number of dogs was over 60,000.
As per official figures, the JMC has so far been able to sterilize only a mere 16,000 dogs. Out of these sterilized dogs, over 9,000 are the females.
Sources said that since the last census and slow pace of sterilization, the number of stray dogs has increased alarmingly in the city and its outskirts.
The dog bit incidents have also increased besides there is also an increase in the accidents which happen due to stray dogs which can be seen roaming freely in the interiors and on the main roads.