The Animal Rescue and Maintenance Youths (ARMY) has expressed concern that Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme of stray dogs has stopped half-way in the State due to shortage of man-power such as veterinary doctors.In the absence of inadequate exposure to ABC Rule, 2001 under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 1960, municipalities like Bhubaneswar, Rourkela and Cuttack have suffered where ABC programme was underway, managing trustee of ARMY Sangram Parida said.
Similarly, there is no treatment available for maggot-infested dogs or those suffering from alopecia in isolated kennels by the municipalities as mandated by ABC rules, he said adding, cost can also be reimbursed for such exercise from Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). In a memorandum, Parida urged AWBI to direct all municipalities to follow the ABC rules as well as the standard operating procedures properly.