Belagavi: Following mounting public pressure over rising stray dog attacks, the Belagavi City Corporation has finally restarted its sterilisation drive after a gap of nearly four months.
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The sterilisation and vaccination programme is currently being carried out at a newly established shelter and surgical centre at Hirebagewadi, spread across two acres. In the past three days, 16 stray dogs have undergone sterilisation procedures. Along with surgeries, anti-rabies vaccinations are also being administered to help curb the risk of rabies in the city.
The drive had been stalled since October, during which several incidents of dog attacks were reported across different parts of the city. Many residents sustained injuries, and fear among children and senior citizens increased, prompting widespread criticism of the civic authorities.
The facility at Hirebagewadi is still under development, but the corporation began operations in response to growing complaints. The initiative is being implemented through the Animal Husbandry Department.
As per Supreme Court guidelines, local bodies are mandated to carry out sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination to control stray dog populations. However, while surgeries have resumed, designated feeding zones for stray dogs — also part of the guidelines — have not yet been implemented.
Residents have cautioned that unless the campaign is conducted consistently and on a larger scale, the stray dog problem may only be temporarily addressed rather than permanently resolved.
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