Belagavi : Deputy commissioner Mohammad Roshan has directed the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) to establish 30 designated feeding zones for stray dogs by Oct 2 and expedite the setting up of a permanent Animal Birth Control (ABC) and sterilisation centre near Savgaon.
A meeting held three months ago had identified 26 locations for feeding zones, but little progress has been made since then. During Tuesday’s review, the DC directed officials to increase the number of zones to 30 and make them operational at the earliest. He instructed the corporation to develop the zones in accordance with prescribed guidelines, install signboards and establish a systematic mechanism for feeding stray dogs. The civic body was also asked to take full responsibility for ensuring compliance with the rules governing the zones. Emphasising the urgency of the matter, Roshan contacted BCC superintendent engineer Laxmi Nippanikar and directed her to initiate immediate action on both the feeding zones and the proposed sterilisation centre.
Chairing a review meeting attended by municipal officials and representatives of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PeTA), Roshan expressed concern over the delay in implementing decisions taken at an earlier meeting on stray dog management.
Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news. The need for a permanent sterilisation facility was also discussed at the meeting following opposition from residents to the temporary stray dog sterilisation centre at Hirebagewadi. Roshan directed officials to inspect the site identified near Savgaon and assess its suitability for establishing an ABC and sterilisation centre. Download the TOI App.