Madikeri: A meeting of the Animal Welfare Association held in Madikeri on Saturday, presided over by deputy commissioner Venkat Raja, decided to sterilise stray dogs in Kodagu.The DC emphasised the need for sterilisation and vaccination of stray dogs to ensure public safety. Despite ongoing efforts, the tender process for neutering stray animals has seen no participation so far. In response, the DC urged local bodies to utilise matching grants to carry out sterilisation programmes effectively.Deputy director of the animal husbandry department, Dr Lingaraj Doddamani, announced a month-long anti-rabies vaccination drive beginning Oct 28, with 21,000 doses ready.The meeting also discussed the need for better management of stray cattle, particularly along national highways, to prevent accidents.Harish Acharya, a committee member, raised concerns about the limited capacity of the govt cowshed near K Nidugane, which currently houses only 37 cattle. He recommended constructing additional sheds and erecting a wire fence to utilise the full 8-acre land for accommodating more animals. Deputy commissioner Venkat Raja backed the proposal and instructed the officials that the fencing work be completed within a month.Additional superintendent of police BP Dinesh Kumar also stressed the need to relocate stray cattle to prevent road accidents.Environmental issues were also brought up during the meeting, including mosquito breeding near College Road.
