Palghar : Strays could be seen, in groups of 15 to 20, across the streets of Vasai and Virar, even after the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) has spent a crore and 9 lakhs rupees towards their sterilization in the last 3 years.
As per the data available with FPJ, the VVMC has sterilised 10,967 strays during the period starting October 14, 2011 to January 31, 2015. However, in spite of such an amount being spent on sterilisation, the unconfirmed number of stray dogs is around 50,000 in Vasai Taluka.
The hospitals across VVMC jurisdiction receive around 20 odd complaints on a daily basis, which can be related to the total cases registered till July, which is a startling 2751 cases. Eye witness say that these strays attack people on the bike, during night, which has, on few occasions, lead to accidents. Deputy municipal commissioner, Dr.Kishor Gavas confirmed that the VVMC was serious on curbing the increase in strays and recently the dog cage capacity was increased to 46 from 23.
He also added that the process to commence a new centre in Virar east was initiated and were scouting for more options.
Activists were demanding more such centers across the VVMC jurisdiction to curb the increasing number of strays.The dog sterilisation centre located at Vasai east was manned in an unhygienic manner, which could be a reason for spread of diseases due to air borne microorganisms. Basic precautionary methods like use of phenyl for cleaning purpose weren’t seen and tap water was instead used.
Vishal Rajemahadik
