Agartala, Feb 10 (NationPress) In response to directives from the Supreme Court, the government of Tripura has initiated special measures throughout the state to manage the presence of stray dogs and animals that are found on roadways, officials reported on Tuesday.

Deepa D. Nair, Secretary of the Animal Resources Development Department, indicated that according to the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, it is now compulsory to carry out sterilization and vaccination of stray dogs. She further noted that plans are in progress to set up Animal Birth Control centers and animal shelters through local bodies along with municipal authorities, backed by the Animal Resources Development Department.

Nair mentioned that the Agartala Municipal Corporation has already established an Animal Birth Control center in Hapania, and an animal shelter is currently operational at Radha Kishore Nagar. Comparable initiatives are also being executed in other municipal regions in collaboration with the department and animal welfare organizations, she informed the press.

The official announced that nodal officers have been designated at key locations, such as educational institutions, hospitals, bus terminals, and railway stations, to effectively oversee and control stray dog populations.

Additionally, a 24-hour surveillance and rapid response system has been launched to manage animals on national highways, through a collaborative effort involving the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Public Works Department, Transport Department, municipal authorities, and district administrations.

Identified animals are being relocated to designated shelters and gaushalas, where they receive food, clean drinking water, and veterinary care. Several helplines have also been set up for improved management of stray dogs and roaming animals.

Neeraj Kumar Chanchal, Director of the Animal Resources Development Department, stated that there is a sufficient supply of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin available at all hospitals. He added that awareness campaigns are being conducted in educational institutions to educate students about the behavior of stray dogs, the diseases they can transmit, preventive measures, and basic first aid.

Chanchal remarked that infrastructure for managing stray dogs and roaming animals is being enhanced across the state, with specialized training being provided to personnel involved in this work. Currently, the state has three ‘Gaushalas’ located in Devipur, Mohanpur, and Dharmanagar, with plans to establish five additional Gaushalas in five districts in partnership with Non-Government Organizations (NGOs).

He also revealed that around 2,000 cattle have been rescued in recent years through various actions aimed at curbing cattle smuggling.