On World Spay Day, the Humane Society International (HSI) India and the Lucknow Municipal Corporation celebrated the vaccination of 70 per cent of the street dog population in the capital city of Uttar Pradesh.
A recent survey conducted by HSI India reveals that over 74,000 street dogs have been sterilized and vaccinated, effectively curbing street dog population growth and preventing puppies from entering a life of suffering, without resorting to inhumane methods such as culling or relocation.
With this milestone achieved, Lucknow is on the path to becoming Uttar Pradesh’s first city that will soon achieve 80 per cent sterilization of its street dog population.
Vaccinating dogs, supported by effective dog population management, is the most cost-effective strategy for preventing rabies in people. The 70% vaccination coverage also signals effective control of canine rabies, as endorsed by the World Health Organization in its Rabies – Zero deaths by 2030 report.
“Paving the way for behavioral transformation in societies, community members have played a crucial role,” Piyush Patel, Director, Companion Animals and Engagement, HSI/India said on Monday.
“At least 28% of the dogs served by the programme (i.e. approximately 20,000 street dogs) were brought to the ABC clinic in Jarhara for spay/neuter services by community members. This indicates that people are now well-aware of the program’s benefits for both – humans and dogs. Our next goal is to hit 80%,” he added.
Patel envisions Lucknow serving as a national model, a “training and learning” hub, and an inspiration to other Indian cities.
“Along with high-volume dog sterilization, active community education through workshops on rabies awareness and dog behaviour has been the key to achieving this milestone,” Arvind Rao, Additional Commissioner, Lucknow Municipal Corporation said.
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