Manglaur grapples with stray dog menace; over 170 bite cases monthly

ROORKEE: More than 170 dog bite cases are reported every month at government health facilities in Manglaur, with officials estimating the number could exceed 200 when cases treated at private clinics are included. Residents say the growing stray dog population, estimated at 1,500-2,000, has become a major concern in the town.Residents have alleged that Nagar Palika Parishad (NPP) Manglaur, the main agency responsible for controlling the stray dog population, has failed to put in place an effective system to tackle the issue, allowing their numbers to increase over the years.Animal welfare officials said Haridwar district currently has only two Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres, located in Haridwar and Roorkee.

Both centres are operating beyond capacity and are unable to adequately serve other parts of the district.“There is an abundance of stray dogs in the lanes and they often attack people, especially children. We have written to the government several times for preventive measures, but nothing has been done for the safety of people in Manglaur,” said Manglaur MLA Qazi Nizamuddin. He said an ABC centre should be set up in Manglaur to serve the south-western part of the district.

Recently, the Nagar Palika asked the local veterinary hospital to submit a proposal for controlling the stray dog population. The hospital proposed setting up an Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre capable of handling around 100 dogs a month, stating that sufficient space was available on its premises. The project, estimated to cost around Rs 17 lakh, includes an operation theatre, 10 post-operative cages, a dog-catching vehicle and surgical equipment.Veterinary officials have also proposed a Laparoscopic Animal Birth Control (LABC) centre, saying it would be less invasive than the conventional sterilisation process. Under the traditional ABC programme, dogs are kept under observation for five to six days after surgery and face a risk of infection. In the laparoscopic procedure, sterilisation is carried out through a small incision, allowing dogs to be released on the same day.“We have also submitted a proposal for a Laparoscopic Animal Birth Control (LABC) centre to the Nagar Palika. It would cost about Rs 8 lakh more than the traditional ABC model,” said Dr Amit Panwar, laparoscopic surgeon and in-charge of the Manglaur veterinary hospital.“We have passed the proposal for the ABC centre through our board and sent it to the government for approval,” said Uttam Singh Negi, executive officer of NPP Manglaur.