Sajid Raina
Srinagar, May 24: In a concerted effort to address the rising population of stray dogs in the city, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Wednesday launched a sterilization drive against the stray dogs in Srinagar.
Interestingly, the drive started on a day, when foreign delegates, who are part of G-20 summit, were scheduled to visit the newly renovated Polo View market in Srinagar.
An official said that the initiative, which commenced Wednesday at Polo View area of the Srinagar city, aims to control the burgeoning dog population and create a more harmonious coexistence between humans and animals.
He said that the SMC teams successfully rounded up stray dogs from various parts of the city. These dogs have been safely transported to designated veterinary centers, where they will undergo sterilization procedures to prevent further breeding, he said.
Following the surgeries, the official said that the dogs will be released back into the areas from where they were captured.
“The sterilization program is a vital step towards managing the population of stray dogs in our beautiful city. By focusing on sterilization rather than extermination, we aim to promote compassion and ensure a humane approach towards these animals,” the official added.
While the sterilization drive is expected to continue over the coming days, the SMC has appealed to the public to cooperate with the authorities.
Local residents have welcomed this innovative initiative, expressing hope that it will lead to a significant reduction in the stray dog population and related issues such as aggressive behaviour and the spread of diseases.
“We all have a responsibility towards the welfare of these animals. By supporting the sterilization drive and reporting any new cases of stray dogs, we can contribute to building a safer and healthier environment for both humans and animals,” Javid Ahmad, a local said.
