Animal birth control centers to open in 15 zones across Chennai by December

CHENNAI: Chennai Mayor R Priya, assured the setting up of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres across all 15 zones of the Chennai corporation by December. This announcement comes when there is a nationwide discussion on the stray dog conflict.

In the council meeting, Deputy Mayor Magesh Kumaar asked the Mayor and the joint commissioner (health), VP Jayaseelan to ban the dangerous dog breeding varieties such as rottweiler and pitbull within the Corporation limits, as they pose a safety risk to others.

The joint commissioner replied, “The Madras High Court issued a stay order against the ban on the dangerous breeds of dogs. Legal measures will be taken to lift the ban.”

Mayor Priya pointed out that the civic body has identified 1.8 lakh stray dogs in the city, and stressed that pet owners were advised to register their canines. “Further, the rabies vaccination drive is going on for stray dogs. Around 3000 dogs are getting vaccinated each day with the help of volunteers. Also, the chips will be installed in dogs,” she explained.

Earlier, Ward 61 Councillor Fathima Muzaffer Ahmed raised the issue over the regulation of feeding and growing pet dogs, especially in multi-storey apartments and complexes.

Also, a resolution was passed in the council meeting for the construction of an ABC centre on MGR Salai, Nandambakkam, at Rs 8.39 crore. Currently, five ABC centres are already functioning in the city.