JOIN USPalike to move SC on easing of culling rules
The Brihanbhumi Municipal Corporation filed a petition before the apex court in 2007 praying for relaxation of Prevention of Atrocities Against Animals Rules.
In a meeting held with BBMP Animal Husbandry Department on Friday, Law Minister S Suresh Kumar said the Palike has been asked to file an impleading application so as to check stray population. Stray dogs can be killed only if they are ferocious, terminally injured/ill or rabid.
The meeting was held in the the wake of mauling of a toddler by a feral dog in Bagalur on Wednesday.
The minister said the department will prepare a feasibility report on culling of canines in a month. Following suggestions from corporators, the minister said dog pounds will also be considered to check the menace. The Palike commissioner asked the department to identify land of about 30 acres on the outskirts of the City for the purpose. Suresh Kumar asked the BBMP to place before the government the exact figures of dogs sterilised under the Animal Birth Control programme.
It was suggested in the meeting that 50 per cent of the stray dogs should be killed and the rest sterilised. According to the 2007 statistics, the City has 1.8 lakh stray dogs. The BBMP records say it has put to sleep 52,600 strays since 2007. It is estimated that about three lakh dogs, including pets, are yet to be sterilised.
Ex gratia announced
An ex gratia of Rs one lakh will be paid from Mayor’s fund to the family of Prashant, the toddler killed by a stray dog. While the death has occurred at a location beyond BBMP limits, the ex gratia has been declared on special consideration, Law Minister Suresh Kumar said.