Authorities to sterilise 5,000 stray dogs in Karnataka’s Mandya district

Fast Summary:

• Mandya district governance targets sterilising 5,000 stray dogs in 2025-26 under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme.
• Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV) drive to be conducted alongside the sterilisation effort.
• Mandya Deputy Commissioner Kumar stated that there are 76,146 dogs in the district, including 24,615 pets and 51,531 strays according to the livestock census.
• ₹60 lakh allocated for ABC and ARV treatment of stray dogs for the financial year; funding comes from local authorities who can allot up to 2% of their budget for this purpose.
• Awareness programs will be launched targeting school students to educate them about anti-rabies precautions and animal welfare.
• health department officials tasked with maintaining accurate records of dog bites and vaccine administrations due to a noted mismatch in previous data.
• Stray dog hotspots such as tourist areas and meat stall vicinities will be prioritised for ABC/ARV interventions as suggested by officials at the meeting.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The Mandya administration’s initiative reflects a proactive approach towards curbing stray dog overpopulation while together addressing rabies risks through targeted vaccination efforts. The integration of educational programs demonstrates foresight in ensuring societal engagement on both safety measures against bites and fostering empathy towards animals. The allocation of ₹60 lakh appears adequate given its alignment with preset budgetary guidelines but necessitates efficient utilisation.

Additionally, prioritising high-risk locales like tourist regions suggests strategic planning rooted in practicality. However, ensuring precise recordkeeping by health officials is imperative for monitoring success rates effectively. Success hinges on cooperation between various departments-such coordination woudl likely influence future replicability across other districts facing similar challenges.

read more: Published – August 26, 2025