AWBI Funds Pending for 15 Years, ABC Programme May Slow Down in Tiruchy

The Tiruchy city municipal corporation is facing a huge challenge to fund the Animal Birth Control (ABC) and Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV) programmes as the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has not reimbursed its share for the last 15 years.

- P THIRUSELVAM @Tiruchy

According to sources in the Tiruchy corporation, a sum of ₹4.57 crore was incurred to sterilise and vaccinate 34,921 dogs in the last 15 years, but the AWBI has not released its 50% share (₹2.28 crore) it is obligated to provide till date despite several representations.

With its finances stretched, the corporation is left with no option than to approach the animal husbandry department to bail it out or slow down the programme. The corporation currently spends ₹1,750 per dog for these procedures. As per AWBI guidelines, 50% of this cost is to be reimbursed.