SRINAGAR, JULY 09(KNS): The Authorities at Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Sunday issued clarification regarding a video posted on Social Media platforms alleging dogs from elsewhere have been put in the Hazratbal area, terming it ‘absolutely incorrect’.

 In an official handout issued here, it has been given out that these dogs were lifted few days back from Hazratbal area itself by SMC’s empanelled agency for Sterilization (i.e. Animal Birth Control) and Anti Rabies Vaccination. After proper sterilization and vaccination these canines were released back to the pickup location which is the mandatory protocol as per the Animal Birth Control Rules and guidelines.

After sterilization and vaccination the dogs have to be mandatorily released and rehabilitated at the same location as per rules and guidelines. Documentation related to dog capturing, sterilization, vaccination and subsequent release is properly documented, said an official adding that SMC is at present is doing sterilization of the dogs in Hazratbal and Habbak area.

It is important to mention that SMC has started the sterilization and anti rabies vaccination program for stray dogs in Srinagar City at a mass scale. It is being done ward wise and area wise. The sterilization and vaccination facilities are at Tengpora and Shuhama and the process is being constantly monitored by SMC at multiple levels along with members from civil society.

To implement the Animal Birth Control programme and the Anti-Rabies Vaccination programme at a large scale within the city, SMC has empanelled the agency, and they are implementing the Animal Birth Control programme as per the Animal Birth Control Rule, 2023, issued by the Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Govt. of India and guidelines and SOPs of the Animal Welfare Board of India, read the statement.

Killing or shifting stray dogs from one place to another place is illegal under the Animal Birth Control Rule, 2023 promulgated under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, mentioned the handout.

It has also been given out that the captured dogs are taken to the Animal Birth Control Centre, Tengpora, and the Animal Birth Control Centre, Shuhama, for sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination. These dogs are kept at ABC Centre for a few days till the surgical wound is completely healed and then they are released back to the pick-up location.

The vital part of this programme is that stray dogs are also immunized against Rabies. The sterilized and immunized dogs have a “V” shaped notch on the ear.

Meanwhile, the SMC has requested the public for assistance and cooperation in implementing the Animal Birth Control Programme throughout the city.(KNS).