Bengaluru faces shortage of shelters as Supreme Court orders relocation of stray dogs
Bengaluru: The Supreme Court recently directed that all stray dogs in public spaces such as hospitals, schools, colleges, and parks must be shifted into shelters. While the order calls for relocating a large number of dogs, Bengaluru reportedly lacks the infrastructure to house even a few hundred dogs for large-scale Animal Birth Control (ABC) programs.
The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) is now scouting for locations to set up new dog pounds and is planning a series of initiatives to reduce dog bites across the city. “Our first priority is to set up more centres to house the dogs, and instructions have been given to all the corporations,” Deccan Herald quoted Maheshwar Rao, GBA Commissioner, as saying.
At present, there are about eight centres conducting ABC programs and a few observation centres. However, Rao acknowledged that limited space has slowed progress, prompting the authority to seek public support. “If anyone can provide us space to set up observation centres to house dogs, we can go ahead immediately. Our officials are also trying to scout suitable places,” he said.
Corporation commissioners have also asked officials to survey and identify dogs that need to be relocated so that the required infrastructure can be planned and set up. Institutions across the city have been asked to report the number of dogs on their premises, which will guide further action, added the report.
While the GBA is now focusing on better infrastructure and new initiatives, many earlier proposals remain unimplemented. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had previously announced measures to control the stray dog population, including microchipping strays to track neutering status and community feeding programs to reduce aggressive behaviour. However, none of these measures were carried out.
“The tenders did not receive a good response. Though we invited tenders twice, we could not get a qualified agency to take up these works. Now, the individual corporations will take over,” DH quoted a senior GBA official as saying.
Rao acknowledged that many programs stalled after the GBA and five corporations took over from BBMP, but emphasised that the first priority is to implement the Supreme Court order and improve infrastructure, with other initiatives to be addressed later based on priority.
Over the last three months, the capital city has recorded at least three dog-bite incidents, including one fatality. Yet, despite repeated incidents, there seems to be no impact on the ground, and residents say they still go out in fear of being hounded by packs of dogs, added DH.
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Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
