Hyderabad, August 23rd, 2017: As part of focused initiatives to commemorate its 25 years Blue Cross of Hyderabad (BCH) today announced a novel initiative supported by GHMC to establish a model Animal Birth Control Program in Hyderabad.
The Blue Cross of Hyderabad model Animal Birth Control Programme to be conducted in Miyapur, West Zone - GHMC, was formally launched by GHMC Commissioner B Janardhan Reddy along with D. Harichandana, West Zone Commissioner and Amala Akkineni, Chairperson of Blue Cross of Hyderabad.
Speaking at the launch Amala Akkineni, Chairperson of Blue Cross Hyderabad said “Seeing the increase in stray dog population, we have raised funds to implement and execute the ABC/ARV program in one focused circle of GHMC West Zone, during 2017-18 following all the Animal welfare Board of India prescribed SOP norms. ABC/ARV along with Swachch Bharath mission will go a long way in reducing stray animal population and Rabies on the streets. It will create safe communities for people and animals and reduce animal suffering on the streets.”
“Human garbage attracts and breeds stray animals across India. Our stray dog issues cannot be resolved until communities corporate with GHMC to take up garbage disposal very responsibly. The temporary solution of killing dogs or removing dogs, does not help, because new dogs will appear, migrating to feed on the garbage available. These dogs could breed, bite and carry rabies into the community” Amala added.
According to Amala Akkineni one breeding pair of stray dogs can give raise to 2,000 in their lifetime. She said a sensible and scientific solution to deal with the situation of stray dog issues effecting society is Neutering and vaccinating them.
Animal Birth Control and Anti Rabies Vaccinations (ABC/ARV) for Stray Dogs is a programme promoted by Animal Welfare Board of India through Government of India, Stray Dog Control Rules 2001.The Rules dictates Civic bodies to conduct Animal Birth Control and Anti-Rabies (ABC/ARV) programs for controlling Rabies and stray animal population. Recommended by the World Health Organisation, this is an effective measure to reduce stray animal population and Rabies especially in countries where there is external garbage that feeds and breeds stray dogs.
Among the various initiatives undertaken by Blue Cross of Hyderabad (BCH), include animal welfare training in partnership with Humane Society International- India, to provide training on surgical procedures for vets, training
West Zone Commissioner Smt. Harichandana, at the signing of the Moll during the launch of the ABC program of Miyapur at Blue Cross of Hyderabad on August 23rd, 2017 released this statement.
"The GHMC is implementing the sterilization of street dogs programme in its limits being the only scientific method of controlling the dog population and to make the city rabies free as per the rules.
With lot of pressure on the corporation from the public to pick up the complaint dogs, there is a lack of focus on combing, catching and sterilization of complete dog population area wise in its limits. In these circumstances, it is very important that the Blue Cross of Hyderabad is taking up this novel ABC/ARV (Animal Birth Control/Anti Rabies Vaccination) programme in Ward no 108 (Miyapur), Circle 21, West Zone, GHMC, wherein more than 80% of the street dog population will be sterilized by combing, catching dogs lane wise/street wise.
The GHMC apart from taking up the ABC/ARV programme is also implementing "Maa Inti Nestham Programme" in its jurisdiction under which Indian puppies / Adult dogs are being given for adoption to the citizens with an aim to find the safe hands for the street dogs and also to reduce the problems of dog menace. The GHMC is also establishing one of its kind innovative facility for the citizen in the form of "Pet Park" in its West Zone jurisdiction with international norms where people and their pets can walk, exercise and have common recreation.
The GHMC is issuing dog licenses to register the pet dogs in its limits. All pet owners are requested to get their pets registered.
Tips for the community
i) Do not panic when a street dog approaches you.
ii) Do not run away from a dog, this may make the dog anxious and want to run behind you.
iii) Do not hit any dog or animal on the street with stones or stick, this may make the animal aggressive.
iv) Stay away from a mother dog with puppies as she may chase you away to protect her pups.
v) If in an unfortunate situation you are bitten by a dog please make sure to wash the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes. Immediately meet the doctor and take advice and take anti-rabies vaccination dose.
vi) Do not kill or chase away the dog, instead call the local GHMC and make sure the dog is caught and kept under observation.
vii) Plan for ABC/ARV of dogs in you colony.
viii) Organise door to door Garbage collection in your streets and ensure people do not throw garbage bags here and there.
ix) Register yourself for Community care taker,/ Colony animal protector - visit the AWBI website for details
x) Report animal abuse or cruelty to the authorities.
xi) Create awareness and educate your community on animal welfare and the benefits of ABC operated dogs.
What does a CAP do?
1. First Aid Rounds: When going for a walk keep an eye out for animal related issues. Go for a first aid round at least once a week, along with a basic first aid kit. Look for dogs in gullies and under cars, asking the locals on the way to know if they've come across an injured dog. Treat small wounds on the way by cleaning, bandaging, applying medicine etc. If you need help with these, get in touch with the local NGO to provide you training or contact us at [email protected] to help you with the process.
2. Act Locally: Get animal friendly volunteers to proactively take the responsibility of taking care of dogs in their neighbourhood. Find foster care homes for puppies and kittens so that they are socialized and can easily be adopted. You can also use social media to your advantage by posting calls for volunteerism to start your own subgroup ensuring healthy and happy street animals!
3. Foster a Positive Community: Build a friendly rapport with your community helpers like the local chaiwala, panwala, security guard and others. Remember to carry your business card, or your phone number written (in the local language) on small pieces of paper to distribute to the people around you. This way, the community helpers can help you by informing you about the whereabouts of dogs and bringing to your notice if any of them needs your attention.
4. Create a Whatsapp Group to connect with fellow volunteers for emergencies, and to keep up the enthusiasm by sharing inspiring success stories. With this group, you can also arrange for a regular meet-ups (preferably once in 6 weeks) and review the status of the network, add new people and check the health of the animals in the city.
5. Document Treatment for Effective Follow Ups: Effective follow-ups are only possible if there is documentation of the ongoing treatment. It is rare that a dog gets treated in one go, and when you are doing that for 15 odd dogs, it is almost impossible to keep track! To make life simpler for you and the ailing animal, it is of utmost importance to know when the dog's next dose of medicine is due!
