February 14: Despite numerous sterilization campaigns, the stray dog population has increased over the years. This week, stakeholders from various agencies met in the capital to develop a comprehensive and coordinated strategy.

Officials said the sterilization campaigns have failed because there was proper coordination among the stakeholders and cooperation from the public.

Stray dogs are a common sight in the capital city. At the weekend vegetable market, the stray dogs lie lazily on the footpaths or rummage through garbage pits and drains. Their population has increased over the years despite numerous sterilization campaigns year after year.

Dr. Karma Rinzin, a veterinary doctor with the livestock department said one of the major constraints confronted in the implementation of rabies control programme or the stray dog program is the lack of coordinated approach because right now we don’t receive enough support and cooperation from all these stakeholders especially from the communities that’s one major constraint.

"Another constraint that we face is as per the WHO recommendation we need to sterilize or vaccinate 75 percent in the endemic areas and then also sterilize at least 70 to 80 percent of the dog population in the area. So in order achieve that level of target we need have a lot of funds for which we do not have enough fund support," Dr. Karma Rinzin said.

He said they are going to map the areas where there are high chances of rabies outbreaks. He said that they will initiate coordinated animal birth control programme.