Erode Corporation sterilises over 15,100 stray dogs since 2024

The Erode Corporation has sterilised and vaccinated over 15,100 stray dogs under its Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme since it was relaunched in 2024.

The Corporation first launched the ABC programme in 2010, but it was discontinued within weeks. A GPS-based survey conducted by the civic body in 2023 estimated the city’s stray dog population at around 27,000.

For implementing the programme, the Corporation engaged Animal Helping Hands, a non-governmental organisation, to operate the ABC centre at Solar.

Around 1,200 dogs are sterilised every month, and the organisation is paid ₹1,650 per dog for the capture, sterilisation, anti-rabies vaccination, post-operative care and release of the animal in the locality from where it was captured.

An official said that the dogs were kept under observation for three days after sterilisation and vaccination before being released in the same locality.

Despite the programme, residents continue to face problems due to stray dogs in several parts of the city. Residents have complained of dog bites and packs of dogs chasing two-wheeler riders, particularly at night and during the early morning hours.

Sudden movements of dogs across roads and chasing vehicles pose a risk to motorists and can lead to accidents.

Residents have also raised concerns over children and elderly persons being chased by dogs in residential areas. They have urged the Corporation to sustain the ABC programme and cover more areas to effectively control the stray dog population.