Mandya: In the financial year 2025-26, 5,000 stray dogs will be sterilised under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) and Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV) programmes, said Deputy Commissioner Kumara.He said that according to the 21st Livestock Census, the district has 24,615 pet dogs and 51,531 stray dogs—a total of 76,146 dogs. Highlighting resource allocation, he noted that Mandya city municipality has earmarked Rs 60 lakh this year, exclusively for stray dog sterilisation. Urban local bodies are permitted to allocate 2% of their budget for ABC and ARV, and he directed the animal husbandry department to ensure these funds are utilised properly.The DC aslo pointed out that dog-bite data is not being maintained systematically, and instructed health officials to keep proper records of bite victims, vaccine doses administered, and to submit regular reports.ZP CEO KR Nandini stressed the need to identify stray dog-dense areas, directing gram panchayats to set aside funds from their budgets and taluk panchayat executive officers to prepare detailed plans. She added that slaughterhouses, tourist spots, and temples should be prioritised for ABC and ARV drives, as strays are attracted to such locations.
