MC okays Rs 2-cr project for stray dogs but finds no recognised NGOs

The Ludhiana Municipal Corporation is all set to float fresh tenders for sterilising stray dogs. At a meeting held recently with MC commissioner and Mayor, the MC has approved a Rs 2-crore project for stray dogs. But the major roadblock it is facing is that NGOs coming for the project are not recognised by the Animal Welfare Board of India.

The population of stray dogs in city is around 5,000 which has become one of the biggest menace for residents and a big headache for the MC with the last sterilisation projects not getting as successful as expected.

Amarjeet Sekhon, joint commissioner, told Ludhiana Newsline, "We are floating fresh tenders but the biggest problem is that unfortunately, NGOs in Punjab are not recognised by Animal Welfare Board of India. We cannot accept tenders from agencies or NGOs not following the proper guidelines as per AWBI for catching dogs, operating, post-operation care and other guidelines."

Therefore, he said, the MC was trying to establish a contact with agencies and NGOs from Maharashtra for the project. "Minimum two organisations approved by AWBI are required for Ludhiana but we are ready to start work even if we get one AWBI-recognised organisation," said Sekhon, adding that the "project is one of topmost priority of MC keeping in view menace created by stray dogs".

"We need to complete sterilisation as soon as possible in a few months as results are not good if treatment is delayed in dogs," he said.

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