MMC tightens post-op checks after dog dies at ABC centre
HYDERABAD: A dog’s death after sterilisation at the Malkajgiri Municipal Corporation’s (MMC) animal birth control (ABC) centre at Fathullaguda has prompted an animal welfare group to seek a probe.
The civic body on Thursday ordered tighter monitoring of post-operative care and the release of dogs at the centre, as reported by DC.
Animal group seeks records
The Association for Animal Shelter and Rescue Aid (AASRA) alleged that a stray dog picked up from Dammaiguda for sterilisation died after officials released it following five days of post-operative care.
The organisation raised concerns over post-operative monitoring, medical records and the process followed to release dogs.
“Our concern is not merely about one dog. We want the corporation to verify whether proper post-operative care is being provided and whether dogs are being released at the same locations from where they are picked up,” an AASRA representative told Deccan Chronicle.
AASRA sought animal-wise records showing capture locations, surgeries, post-operative care, complications, deaths and release locations.
It also sought the medical and release records of the dog that died. The group said the records could help establish the circumstances that led to its death.
Commissioner reviews ABC operations
Following the allegations, MMC commissioner T. Vinay Krishna Reddy inspected the Fathullaguda ABC centre on Thursday.
He reviewed ABC and anti-rabies vaccination (ARV) operations with veterinary officials, field staff and representatives of animal welfare organisations.
“We have directed the veterinary team to strictly verify the condition of every dog after sterilisation before releasing it. If the wound has not healed, the dog should continue to receive post-operative care,” the commissioner told Deccan Chronicle.
Under the civic body’s protocol, sterilised dogs receiving ARV get four to five days of post-operative care if they are male. Female dogs get five to six days of care.
Officials must keep dogs under care until they recover if their surgical wounds have not healed.
Same-locality release ordered
The commissioner also directed officials to release dogs in the same locality where teams captured them.
He asked animal welfare organisations and volunteers to take part in the release process. A local representative must sign the relevant records.
“Proper case sheets and post-operative care records have to be maintained for every dog. We are strengthening the verification process and involving animal welfare organisations and local volunteers during the release of dogs,” he said.
Focus on sanitation and diagnostics
The commissioner inspected the kennels, operation theatre, food preparation area and the new animal shelter under construction.
He directed officials to maintain sanitation at the kennels and dog-catching vehicles. They must also keep cleaning records.
He ordered steps to establish a diagnostic laboratory for blood tests, ultrasound scans and other pre-surgical investigations.
Officials must also follow ARV standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintain the vaccine cold chain.
The MMC plans animal shelters with a proposed combined capacity of 3,000 animals. The plan will depend on feasibility, land availability and budgetary resources.
