Berhampur Municipal Corporation Sterilises 3,510 Stray Dogs in 288 Days
News,Odishabarta
66% of Target Achieved Under Stray Dog Population Control and Anti-Rabies Vaccination Programme
Brahmapur, Nov. 5: In a significant step towards controlling the stray dog population and preventing the spread of rabies, the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) has sterilised 3,510 stray dogs within 288 days under its Animal Birth Control (ABC) and Anti-Rabies Vaccination Programme, which commenced on January 16 this year.
According to BeMC sources, the achievement includes the sterilisation of 1,880 male and 1,630 female dogs. Around 66 per cent of the targeted work has already been completed, indicating substantial progress in the ongoing campaign.
As per an earlier survey, more than 5,300 stray dogs were estimated to be roaming across Berhampur city. The civic body has set a target of completing the sterilisation of the identified stray dog population within one year.
Under the programme, sterilised dogs are kept under the supervision of veterinary doctors for four to five days to ensure proper post-operative care. They are provided with necessary treatment, medicines and attention during the recovery period. After regaining their health, the dogs are released at the same locations from where they were captured, following the prescribed procedure.
Mayor Sanghamitra Dalai said that controlling the stray dog population through scientific and humane methods, without causing harm to the animals, was the sustainable way to address the issue.
Accordingly, the Corporation has been giving priority to sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination.
BeMC Commissioner A. Sasya Reddy stated that the programme was not merely aimed at controlling the stray dog population but also at protecting public health and promoting peaceful coexistence between humans and animals. She emphasised that public awareness, cooperation and active participation of city residents were essential for the successful implementation of the campaign.
Veterinary expert Dr. Satyanarayan Kar observed that sterilisation and vaccination were among the most scientific, humane and sustainable approaches to controlling the stray dog population and preventing rabies transmission. While sterilisation helps regulate population growth, vaccination reduces the risk of rabies infection, thereby contributing to public health protection and animal welfare.
Meanwhile, a special committee visited the sterilisation centre to inspect its functioning, facilities and operational procedures.
The inspection team was headed by Dr. Anjan Das, Chief District Veterinary Officer, and included Dr. Bhavani Shankar Satapathy, Dr. Satyanarayan Kar, BeMC Deputy Commissioner Ashirbad Parida, Assistant Commissioner Bibhu Prasad Mahapatra, animal welfare activist Sheetal Purnima and Lalitendu Choudhury, representative of the State Animal Welfare Board.
During the inspection, the committee also reviewed the disposal of body tissues and organs removed during sterilisation procedures. It was clarified that such biological waste was being buried in accordance with the prescribed biomedical waste management procedures.
The BeMC’s ongoing initiative seeks to address three important concerns simultaneously — stray dog population management, prevention of rabies and animal welfare. The Corporation has expressed confidence that the remaining target will be achieved within the stipulated one-year period.
