Apathy greets strays at animal care shelter

Nagole: As is the case in most cases, the idea is laudable, but implementation poor. The Fathullaguda Animal Care Shelter set up on the outskirts of the city earlier this month does not have enough veterinary doctors and vaccines.

• Animal Care Shelter has just three veterinarians

• The number is quite inadequate in view job burden

• Most animals not vaccinated due to lack of doctors, vaccines

• They will be released only after vaccination

• A majority of them from Ramanthapur, Keesara

A total of 500 dogs, 100 monkeys, 100 cattle and a few pigs are accommodated at the Animal Care Shelter. Spread over 5 acres, it includes two dog shelter blocks, each of 3,600 s.ft. Along with the dog shelter block, the care shelter also includes cattle and monkey shelter blocks of 3,600 sft each.

The animals are brought to the shelter from the places from where a maximum number of complaints are received. Soon, the vaccination processes is completed and the stray dogs are housed in the animal care units for three to four days. Later, they are released where they were picked up. But due to lack of doctors and vaccines, the animals are kept at the centre.

There are just 3 doctors and 52 staff members which includes cleaners, paramedics, drivers, dog catchers and in-charge persons. The maximum cases of dog and pig menace are received from Ramanthapur and Keesara.

Speaking to the Hans India, Dr P Ramakrishna Rao, Veterinary Section doctor, GHMC, said, "Since there are only 3 doctors for anti-birth control and vaccination, only a few animals get vaccinated." One doctor treats 80 animals and sometimes even more.

The Animal Care Shelter is located on the outskirts of Nagole around a dump yard. When the Hans India visited the shelter, it was found in a dismal state with minimal care for hygiene and cleanliness. A nauseating stench emanated all around the shelter.

"We receive our salary a month late. Compared to the job that we are assigned, the salary we are given is very less. At times we receive an amount of Rs 8,500 and sometimes even lesser. Since we work hard in catching these animals, we might hurt ourselves," said Raghu G, a dog catcher.