Animal Sterilisation Centre begs attention

Jeedimetla: Dogs are dying at the Animal Sterilization Centre at Jeedimetla almost every other day due to lack of sanitation and as the staff is not following standard procedures. Sterilisation is not recommended during mating season but the operations are conducted, leading to complications and even deaths.

On an average, 200 dogs are treated on a daily basis but there is just one veterinarian. Staff at the centre says that there is a need for five veterinarians. In many cases, the sanitation workers and helpers are told to conduct sterilization.

The centre is not kept clean and, as a result, dogs get infections. The dogs are also not fed properly; it is dal and rice that is given. The short supply of medicines is another cause of concern.

Srinivas, a pet owner, says, "The compounders double up as doctors and perform operations. There have been several instances when dogs vomit blood and die." Govardhan, AD (North Zone), GHMC, said, "We instructed the staff to maintain a register but it is not being followed.

We would be taking action soon as we are receiving a lot of complaints." Madhulika Nair, an animal activist, says, "Post sterilisation, the dogs need to be left in the same area from where they were picked up, but this does not happen.

The treatment at the centre is harsh and the conditions are poor. There is no cleanliness." "At times, many dogs are kept in one enclosure without any space for movement," she further added.

By Y Sai Shanthan & Salong Debbarma