SMC to constitute MACB to deal with the street dog menace in Kashmir: Srinagar Mayor

Srinagar: Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) will constitute a Multi Agency Consultative Board (MACB) to deal with the growing menace of street dogs in the Kashmir valley.“I have taken a decision to constitute a Multi Agency Consultative Board to deal with the growing street dog menace which would initiate its final resolution within three months,” Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattoo said on Wednesday during a press meet.He said this would be the biggest programme not in the country but in the sub continent.
Mattoo said that he has invited scientists from the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology (SKAUST) and veterinary experts so that we could start this practice within months time.

“I want to see people irrespective of their age will spend their lives without any fear of dog menace in the valley”, he said.

He said the consultative board would meet twice in a week and he will personally monitor its progress.

The SMC Mayor said that earlier there were independent reports about the population of dogs in Kashmir valley around 60,000 to 70,000. But it has been raised and became a monumental challenge for us now.

He said whenever any case of dog bite takes place in the city especially the small kids, it pains me badly.

“It deeply pains me…it is agony and anguish for me”, Mattoo said.
He said, keeping in view the Supreme Court and wildlife protection directions all of them make it a very complicated challenge for the SMC.
“For me the top most priority would be till the tenure of the SMC ends we should be able to deal with this issue”, Mattoo added.

“And I want to tell all of you that this would be the biggest programme of its nature not only in the country but in the continent”, he said.

He said it would be scientifically approved and sterilization of dogs would take place during the programme.

Mattoo said If this practice succeeds within six to seven years we will be able to get rid of the street dogs population menace.

He said all the procedural formalities have been started and would be shared with the media soon.
UNI