BCC identifies two sites for dog sterilisation centres

Belagavi: In a major step towards addressing the growing stray dog population in the city, the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) has identified two locations for establishing permanent dog sterilisation centres within city limits. One centre is proposed in the northern part of the city, while the other will be located in the southern zone.Although the corporation has finalised the sites, officials have refrained from disclosing their exact locations, anticipating possible opposition from residents. Construction of the centres is expected to begin soon, with funding to be provided through corporators’ reserve funds.The move follows the failure of plans to establish a sterilisation centre at Hirebagewadi, which faced resistance from local representatives. As a result, only a temporary shed was constructed there, and sterilisation work was carried out on a limited scale. The facility was later shut down following objections from local corporator and former Health Standing Committee chairperson Lakshmi Rathod.At present, only eight to ten stray dogs are sterilised each day. With dedicated centres and the likely appointment of a new contractor, the corporation aims to increase the number of surgeries to more than 20 per day.According to BCC estimates, Belagavi has nearly 20,000 stray dogs. Although the sterilisation programme has been in place since 2007, officials admit that its implementation has lacked continuity, allowing the stray dog population to grow steadily.The corporation is now under pressure to strengthen its animal birth control measures in line with Supreme Court guidelines. Officials believe that permanent, modern sterilisation facilities are essential to sustain the campaign and effectively control the city’s stray dog population.