Authorities to curb dog birth numbers in Dimapur

DIMAPUR, AUGUST 26 : In a move to control the population of dogs—as directed by the Supreme Court—and to create infrastructure for detention and treatment of stray dogs, the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Committee of Dimapur district has on Friday decided to implement a birth-control program and to vaccinate dogs. An “awareness programme” was conducted for colony chairmen and Gaon Bura of 23 wards of Dimapur on August 26 in the office premises of the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC). The members of the committee deliberated that there should be a classification of dogs, by two categories: “street dogs” and “pet dogs.” The responsibility for the latter has been placed on owners. According to the directive of the Supreme Court, infrastructure will be provided at the premises of the DMC. Street dogs will be relocated to the Animal Detention Centre there and treated, the members said. Also, pet dogs are to be registered with Veterinary & Public Health cell of the DMC with proper identification, registration numbers, and collar belts, which are to be issued by the DMC for nominal fees. The owners may also procure collar belts from the market but in accordance with guidelines set by the DMC. Further, the ABC members said that unregistered dogs or dogs without identification that are found 'roaming freely' shall be treated as street / stray dogs and relocated to the Animal Detention Centre for basic treatment. Dog owners may claim their pets back by paying a fee. Diseased / untreatable dogs are to be 'euthanized humanely.' The committee informed that the chief veterinary officer of Dimapur has assured instruments, appliances, and manpower to aid implementation of the program whenever required. The move is aimed at controlling the population of stray dogs. The committee reminded that unregistered dogs will be considered stray. The Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules states that street dogs are to be sterilised, vaccinated, and released in the same area from where they were captured. The immunization programme will be carried out in phases. The members of the ABC Programme Committee are H Atokhe Aye (administrator, DMC) as ex-officio chairman, and Dr. Temsu (chief veterinary officer), Dr. Khashepu (retired joint director, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry), Joseph Lemtur (vice president of Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), Dr.H Inato Jimomi (deputy director of the Veterinary PH cell, DMC), Dr. Sentimoa Longkumer (VAS, DMC) and Toshirenla (social worker), as members.