Authorities to sterilise 5,000 stray dogs in Karnataka’s Mandya district

The Mandya district administration has set a target to sterilise 5,000 stray dogs during the year 2025-26.

This was stated by Mandya Deputy Commissioner Kumar in a meeting convened to discuss the sterilisation of stray dogs under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme on Monday. The authorities also discussed conducting an Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV) programme in conjunction with the ABC drive. Mr. Kumar said that the district had 76,146 dogs, including 24,615 pets and 51,531 strays as per the 21stlivestock census, which also counted dogs along with other animals.

The Deputy Commissioner said that local authorities have allocated ₹60 lakh for the sterilisation of stray dogs for 2025-26, as they are allowed to set aside 2% of their budget for ABC and ARV treatment of stray dogs. The Animal Husbandry Department was instructed by Mr. Kumar to coordinate with local bodies to ensure that the funds are properly allocated.

Mr. Kumar emphasised on organising awareness programs for school students, and underlined the imperatives of informing them to contact nearby doctors for treatment if bitten by stray or other dogs and take the anti-rabies vaccine. He said that their education should also include creating awareness on not instigating or carrying out acts of cruelty against animals.

Noting that there was a mismatch on number of dog-bite cases and the dosage administered, the Deputy Commissioner instructed health department officials to maintain accurate records of people bitten by stray dogs and the ARV dosage administered, and submit a report thereafter.

Regarding fodder availability in rural hinterland, the Deputy Commissioner said that during 2023-24, purchases were made to tide over drought and to provide fodder to livestock. Since a year has passed and the stocked fodder could go waste, it should be released into the market, he added.

District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer K.R. Nandini said that areas with higher stray dog populations should be identified, and funds for ABC and ARV treatments should be allocated and utilised within the budgetary constraints of the respective village panchayats. She said Taluk Panchayat Executive Officers should prepare plans accordingly to implement the drive.

Officials were advised to identify locations such as tourist spots, areas near meat stalls, etc., where stray dog population could be high, and prioritise ABC and ARV treatments in these areas.

The meeting was attended by Additional District Superintendent of Police Timmayya, Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry Shivalingaiah, and other officials.