HDMC launches animal birth control facility

Hubballi, 

In a major step towards addressing the growing stray dog population, the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has established a hi-tech animal sterilisation and birth control centre near Shivalli village. The civic body has been making continuous efforts to control the stray dog population. However, the absence of dedicated infrastructure and adequate facilities for sterilisation procedures had limited the effectiveness of earlier initiatives.

To overcome these challenges, HDMC has now launched a specialised facility under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, built around the motto, “Care for Every Life.”Officials said animal birth control remains the only scientific and legally recognised method to manage stray dog populations and prevent the spread of rabies. As per Karnataka government regulations, killing stray dogs is a punishable offence, making sterilisation programmes crucial for long-term population management. According to civic authorities, nearly 20,000 stray dogs are estimated to be living within the municipal limits.

So far, only around 20 per cent of them have undergone sterilisation. Previously, the procedures were carried out in a private facility with a capacity of just 40 dogs and lacked adequate pre- and post-operative care arrangements. With this facility, every around 100 dogs could easily be sterlized. The HDMC Commissioner instructed company which bagged tender for sterilization of dogs to sterilize 100 dogs every day.

Speaking about the project, HDMC Additional Commissioner Vijayakumar said the corporation has constructed the fully equipped centre on its land near Shivalli across 4,250 square feet. Designed on the lines of the model facility in Yelahanka, Bengaluru, the centre incorporates advanced equipment and upgraded amenities. Special attention has been given to temperature control, with insulated PUF sheet roofing replacing conventional metal sheets. The facility houses two operation theatres, a doctor's cabin and dedicated treatment areas.

The centre can accommodate between 150 and 160 dogs at a time. It features 31 cages, each capable of housing five to six animals. Separate enclosures have been earmarked for rabies-suspected dogs, newly captured animals and post-surgery recovery. Mosquito-proof mesh and ultraviolet insect-control systems have been installed to ensure a hygienic environment. The facility also showcases photographs and stories of “Hero Dogs” that have displayed exceptional bravery, creating awareness about the positive role played by canines in society.

Authorities have prioritised sanitation and maintenance across the centre. Every cage is connected to an automated water-based cleaning system. The facility includes a 25,000-litre underground water reservoir and a 6,000-litre overhead tank. Scientific cage designs allow easy cleaning and improved animal welfare. Dedicated arrangements have also been made for the safe disposal of biomedical waste generated during surgeries. Officials said the centre has been designed to provide end-to-end care, from housing captured dogs and conducting sterlisation surgeries to monitoring recovery before releasing the animals back.