Jan 16 (IL) Colombo Municipal Council Veterinary authorities are planning to construct a permanent dog sterilisation centre in the city in an effort to find alternative methods to bring down stray dog numbers and thereby reduce risk of rabies.
Chief Municipal veterinary officer Dr. S.D Elleperuma said that they plan to initiate a surgical camp very soon with the active support of several NGOs and other veterinary authorities.
"The CMC authorities have already allocated a land in Kirulapone and the Mayor has given approval for the project. Rs.10 million were voted for the project and we hope to obtain three million more from donors and well wishers," he said. Another plot of land has been identified in Colombo North to construct another camp.
The officer said that they have begun the annual dog census in the city prior to the rabies vaccination which would follow suit. Cooperation from residents in getting their animals registered and later vaccinated was stressed.
He said that with adequate number of surgeons, support staff, infrastructure and funding they would be able to bring down the stray dog population down to healthy levels in five years. "However, mass scale sterilisation coupled with awareness is required to make it effective or it will have no effect on the dog population," he said. Around 20 animals per day and 500 per month are targeted for sterilisation. "Financial and other forms of support in completing the project would be a big boost," he said.
