More than 500 families in Poonthottam area in Velapadi on Tuesday demanded action on stray dog menace in their area.
Councillor of ward 37, R Sathyamoorthy, said there were about 200 stray dogs in his ward, which covered Velapadi and Salavanpet areas. He claimed he was receiving calls everyday about stray dog attack and bites in his area and said the menace was rampant in certain areas of Poonthottam, especially Rajammal Street, Dharmalingam Salai, Natarajar Street, Govindhasamy Layout, Iyappan Koil Street, Perumal Koil Street and Indira Nagar.
Palani, a resident of Sakunthalammal Salai, said that the dogs were ferocious and posed a threat to passersby. Besides, they howled in the night, disturbing the residents, he added.
Sarvesh, another resident, complained that the dogs strew garbage on the middle of the road after dragging it from the road side. Councillor Sathyamoorthy alleged that no dogs had been caught from the area. The residents also complained about movement of snakes in the area. They said there were many vacant plots in the area, which were surrounded by bushes. Punitha, a resident of Indira Nagar said three snakes were killed in her locality last week alone.
Corporation Commissioner P Janaki Raveendran said the local body had planned to implement the Animal Birth Control Programme in Poonthottam. Funds were allotted to purchase a vehicle for catching stray dogs. Soon, the menace would be curbed in the area, she added.
