Coimbatore's Urgent Plea: Animal Welfare Groups Rally for Robust Stray Dog Sterilization

In a powerful display of community concern and unwavering advocacy, animal welfare organizations and passionate volunteers took to the streets of Coimbatore recently, demanding an immediate and substantial increase in stray dog sterilization efforts. The rally, which saw participants holding poignant placards and raising resolute slogans near the bustling Ukkadam Bus Stand, underscored a critical need for a more effective Animal Birth Control (ABC) program to address the city's escalating stray dog population.

Led by prominent groups such as the Humane Animal Society (HAS) and People for Animals (PFA), alongside a dedicated cadre of animal rescuers and concerned citizens, the demonstration highlighted a dual crisis: the welfare of the stray dogs themselves and the pressing issue of public safety.

Activists pointed to an alarming rise in dog bite incidents, particularly affecting children, as a direct consequence of the unchecked growth in the stray dog population across various localities in Coimbatore.

The core of their demand revolves around a drastic overhaul of the current sterilization initiatives.

Currently, the Coimbatore Corporation operates just one functional sterilization centre in Ukkadam, which manages to sterilize a meager 10 to 15 dogs daily. This rate, protestors argued, is woefully inadequate to make any significant dent in the city's burgeoning stray dog numbers. The groups are urgently calling for this daily target to be amplified to at least 50 sterilizations, a figure they believe is more realistic for achieving sustainable population control.

Beyond increasing the volume of surgeries, the activists emphasized the critical need for expanded infrastructure.

They urged the Corporation to establish multiple sterilization centers across the city, making the program more accessible and efficient. Furthermore, the call included a plea for improved post-operative care for the sterilized animals, ensuring their humane recovery and well-being before being released back into their territories.

Organizers stressed that an effective ABC program is not merely about managing numbers but about fostering a humane environment.

It aims to reduce the suffering of stray dogs by curbing overpopulation, thereby minimizing competition for resources and the spread of diseases. Simultaneously, it significantly enhances public safety by reducing aggressive behaviors often associated with unsterilized animals and decreasing the incidence of dog bites.

The rally served as a clarion call to the local authorities, urging them to prioritize this crucial animal welfare and public health initiative.

Participants believe that with collective effort, increased resources, and a more strategic approach, Coimbatore can become a model city for humane stray animal management, ensuring a safer and healthier coexistence for both its human residents and its canine inhabitants.