HYDERABAD: The death of a dog after sterilization at the Malkajgiri Municipal Corporation’s (MMC) animal birth control (ABC) center in Fathullaguda has led an animal welfare group to call for an investigation. In response, the civic body announced on Thursday that it would implement stricter monitoring of post-operative care and the procedures for releasing dogs.
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The Association for Animal Shelter and Rescue Aid (AASRA) has alleged that a stray dog, collected from Dammaiguda for sterilization, died after being released five days post-surgery. They expressed concerns regarding the monitoring of post-operative care and requested access to medical records and protocols for dog releases.
An AASRA representative stated to Deccan Chronicle, "Our concern is not merely about one dog. We want the corporation to verify whether proper post-operative care is being provided and whether dogs are being released at the same locations from where they are picked up." The organization is seeking detailed animal-wise records that include capture and release locations, as well as surgical details and any complications that may have arisen.
In light of these concerns, MMC commissioner T. Vinay Krishna Reddy conducted an inspection of the Fathullaguda ABC center on Thursday. He engaged with veterinary officials, field staff, and animal welfare representatives to review the ABC and anti-rabies vaccination (ARV) operations.
The commissioner communicated that the veterinary team must thoroughly assess each dog’s condition following sterilization before allowing their release. He emphasized that if a dog’s surgical wound has not healed, it should continue to receive care. According to MMC protocols, male dogs get four to five days of post-operative care, while female dogs receive five to six days.
Reddy also instructed that dogs should be released in the same neighborhoods where they were captured and that local animal welfare organizations and volunteers should be involved in this process. Proper documentation for every dog, including case sheets and post-operative care records, is to be maintained.
Additionally, Reddy inspected the kennels, operation theater, and the food preparation area. He emphasized the importance of sanitation in the kennels and dog-catching vehicles, requiring maintenance of cleaning records. To enhance veterinary services, plans are underway to establish a diagnostic laboratory for blood tests and other pre-surgical investigations. The MMC is also looking into expanding animal shelters, aiming for a combined capacity of 3,000 animals, contingent on feasibility and budget considerations.