The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) is set to launch the city first Animal Birth Control (ABC) center in Begampur Khatola this March. Built at a cost of approximately two crore rupees, this facility aims to address the rising population of nearly 50,000 stray dogs in the city. This is the first such center established by the corporation in 17 years, focusing on both sterilization and treatment of sick animals to ensure better safety for residents.
How will the ABC center function and who will manage it?
The center operations will follow the Central Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, ensuring humane treatment of animals. While MCG constructed the building, the Vedanta Group is supporting the project under its CSR initiative by providing a team of 40 members, including expert veterinarians. A private agency has also been engaged to assist with the sterilization process. The standard procedure for handling the animals includes the following steps:
- Stray dogs will be captured using humane methods like nets.
- Detailed records of capture location, vaccination, and surgery will be maintained.
- Expert veterinarians will perform the surgeries in dedicated operation theaters.
- Post-surgery dogs will stay in recovery wards until their wounds heal.
- Healthy dogs will be released back to the exact spot where they were caught.
What are the future plans for stray dog management in Gurugram?
Following the opening of the Begampur Khatola facility, another center is planned for Basai. The authorities aim to sterilize and vaccinate around 2,000 dogs every month through these centers. Additionally, a larger campaign worth nine crore rupees is underway to cover 1.5 lakh stray dogs across the city. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce the 2,500 to 3,000 dog bite cases reported monthly, improving public safety and animal welfare. The move is seen as a long-term solution to the growing rabies threat and population density of stray animals in urban areas.
