South DMC to count its stray dogs for birth control

New Delhi, Aug 26 (IANS) A dog count will be conducted in South Delhi areas in the early morning hours starting from August 27 so as to conduct their effective birth control, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) said on Friday.

The SDMC has been running a programme to sterilise stray dogs in its areas for the last four years, but has not been able to assess its efficacy because of lack of information on the number of dogs before and after the drive.

The South civic corporation has now commissioned Humane Society International, India (HSI), an international animal protection organisation, to conduct the count of the strays in SDMC areas.

In its turn, the HSI has roped in a highly experienced British consultant, Lex Hiby, to help in executing the drive.

Eight volunteers in pairs of two will conduct the drive. While one volunteer will drive the motorbike, the pillion-rider will use a specially designed mobile app to record the data.

The survey of the strays will be conducted every day from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. for about 8-10 days.

"Through this survey, we will know the total number of dogs roaming free in SDMC areas. We will also know the number of dogs sterilised, lactating females and puppies," Senior Manager at HSI Amit Chaudhari said.

"It is important to carry out such a survey because it will allow us to measure the progress of the corporation's sterilisation program," he added.

The HSI will compile and analyse the data and a report will be submitted to the SDMC at the end of October, an official said.