In Chennai, according to the Times of India, 80% of street dogs have now been sterilised.
The incidence of rabies has been virtually eradicated from the city – no case was reported last year. The municipal officer of health attributes this to better community care of street dogs.
People for Animals (whom QCA has supported), the Blue Cross of India and SPCA have all played their part in this success.
The Animal Birth Control – Anti-Rabies programme (ABC-AR) was adopted in Chennai in 1996. The success of the project depends on 70% of dogs being sterilised in a given area in one reproductive cycle- usually 6 months.
Set up by the Blue Cross of India in 1966, it was in response to the killing of 16,000 dogs two years before. It is endorsed by the World Health Organisation.
And in Sikkim:
Dr. Beth McGennisken of SARAH writes:
The Sikkim Anti-Rabies and Animal Health (SARAH) programme has officially become a separate Division of the Animal Husbandry Department. This is very exciting news indeed for the people and animals of Sikkim. I believe that this is the first time an animal welfare programme has been incorporated into the Animal Husbandry Dept – I also believe Sikkim is the first state in India to have a state – wide ABC/AR programme.
This programme has been very successful and appreciated by the public of Sikkim, but India-wide, publicity of the good achievements of the programme has been sorely lacking. I believe that it is important for other Indian states to know about this programme, as they may wish to implement similar strategies within their own Animal Husbandry Dept.
Dr. Beth McGennisken
Project Manager
S.A.R.A.H. (Sikkim Anti-Rabies & Animal Health) Programme
Gangtok, India.