If all goes well, Patna roads will become free of stray dogs as plans are afoot to make shelters for them where they would also be sterilized. It's not the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) which has come out of its slumber and become aware of its responsibility, but a private organization called Public Rehabilitation and Welfare Centre (PRWC) which plans to make a network of 'pashu mitras' who will catch stray dogs, take them to the shelter and sterilize them in a sympathetic manner.
PRWC secretary Ragini Ranjan spoke on this concept of 'pashu mitra' while addressing a seminar on 'Prevention of cruelty against animals' on Saturday. As per Ranjan, the PRWC will coordinate with PMC, animal welfare societies and veterinary colleges. "We are in talks with PMC to provide a shelter for stray dogs where they can be kept, given tranquillizers and finally sterilized. We will seek the vets' support for the purpose," said Ranjan.
The PMC always rues its manpower crunch, but the organization already has enough of it and only requires the municipal body's support. Ranjan also said counselling is also an essential part of the drive. "Even the PMC staff involved in the drive will be counselled. This will reduce the number of stray dogs and it is a proven fact that when their numbers decrease, those of horses and camels increase," she said.
When asked if there is any shelter for stray dogs now, she answered in negative and said the PRWC would appeal to the state government to provide a piece of land to make a shelter. With a team of ten members who will keep a vigil in the entire city, PRWC will start working on this drive next month.
Besides, PRWC members will also interact with local milkmen and counsel them not to administer Oxytocin, a vaccine banned for sale over the counter but used by them on cows and buffaloes for increased milk. It is not good for the health of these animals, she said.
SOURCE:Anisha Anand,TNN
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