Stray Dog Vaccinate &Sterilization Drive Launched in BeMC,Berhampur
Manoj Kanta Dash,Odishabarta
Berhampur,(17/01/26):The Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) has beguile an ambitious plan to conduct a wide-ranging census of both stray and pet dogs includes drive vaccinate and sterilisation in the silk city to address the growing menace of stray dogs.
Sources, the census will involve sanitary workers and a private agency to count dogs across Berhampur_ Mahanagar all wards, with special focus on hospitals and schools. Each dog will be tagged with a chip containing details such as the owner’s identity for pet dogs, the location of stray dogs, and whether they have been vaccinated or sterilised. “This initiative will ensure a cleaner, safer city while protecting our canine population,” said Mayor Sanghamitra.
This move comes in response to rising incidents of dog attacks and the associated risk of rabies, with the city reporting over 5,000(approx) stray dogs and more than dog bite cases recorded in the past six months.(?).
The initiative was formally inaugurated by Mayor Sanghamitra Dalei and Commissioner Prathamesh Arvind Rajeshirke.
In a key note and Commissioner Prathamesh Arvind Rajeshirke, mention,The BeMC’s strategy includes not only sterilisation and vaccination but also a robust registration system for pet dogs. Under the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (Registration and Proper Control of Dogs) Bye-Laws 2023, pet owners must register their dogs, provide vaccination and sterilisation certificates, and ensure their pets wear identification tags. Violators face fines up to Rs.10,000 for non-compliance, such as allowing pets to defecate in public spaces or failing to control aggressive behaviour.
Further,Commissioner,Arvind Rajeshirke emphasised that the initiative aligns with the state government’s goal to make Odisha rabies-free by 2030. By combining the census with intensified sterilisation and vaccination drives, the BeMC aims to control the stray dog population and reduce dog bite incidents, ensuring safer streets for residents of silk city..
He further appeal,The public has been urged to cooperate with the census and adhere to pet registration norms to create a harmonious and secure urban environment, and adopt a humane attitude towards stray dogs. They expressed hope that the initiative would contribute to making Berhampur a safer, cleaner and more balanced urban environment.
Speaking on this function DeputyMayor,E.Vivek reddy said, as a part of the initial phase, one dedicated dog-catching vehicle will operate within the municipal limits. In BeMC area currently has an estimated over 11,000 stray dogs. Planned to sterilize 500 to 600 stray dogs every month. The sterilization drive will continue for the next two years with the objective of curbing the increase in the stray dog population across the city.
Vet experts presented that sterilization is an effective and compassionate solution to control the stray dog population while ensuring their health and welfare. The programme will also help prevent the spread of rabies and other zoonotic diseases.
Notably,The programme is being conducted by a trained team comprising an experienced veterinary surgeon, an attendant, and a livestock inspector. All procedures will be carried out safely by qualified veterinarians in a hygienic operation theatre with proper medicines and post-operative care. After recovery, the dogs will be released back into their original locations.
The first phase of the drive began from the Military Line area near the veterinary hospital, where seven stray dogs were captured and sterilized on the first day. The programme will be implemented in a phased manner across all areas of the city within a stipulated timeframe.
The inaugural event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Ashirbad Parida, Deputy Mayor Vivek Reddy, CDVO Dr. Anjan Das, SDVO Dr. Arbind Behera, VS Dr. Satyanarayan Kar, District SPCA member cum ABC Committee member Lalatendu Choudhury, Sr. Social worker R. Murali Mohan along with corporators, representatives of the ASRA and animal welfare activists.
