Belagavi : The rapidly growing stray dog population has emerged as a major challenge for authorities in Belagavi district, with more than 90,000 dogs, including over 20,000 in Belagavi city, according to the animal husbandry and health departments. local opposition is delaying implementation While BCC has allocated Rs 50 lakh for the project. Hundreds of dog-bite cases are reported every day.
finding suitable land has become a major hurdle Although the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) and other local bodies have plans to establish animal birth control (ABC) centres.
The corporation has also been unable to sustain its dog-catching drive in the city due to a lack of treatment and holding facilities.
Sachin Patil, a resident of Kanabargi, said the facility could lead to foul odour, disease spread and nuisance from barking dogs, affecting children and elderly residents. Officials said similar issues are being faced across municipal councils, municipalities and town panchayats. District health officer Ishwar Gadad said dog-bite cases are steadily increasing at govt hospitals, including the district hospital.
Villagers have submitted a memorandum to BCC, expressing concern that unwanted dogs from other areas could be shifted to the shelter, worsening the problem locally. Many local bodies are now seeking the district administration’s assistance in identifying alternative sites for ABC centres. He warned that untreated dog bites could lead to rabies and stressed that the five-dose anti-rabies vaccination must be taken without fail.