The Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) has tied up with a local NGO to run its non-functional shelter for stray animals which of late have become a menace on Dehradun streets.
The corporation’s lone cattle shelter at Kedarpuram locality, with a capacity for 50 animals, had turned non-functional three years ago due to funds crunch with the municipal body, the officials said.
Senior DMC health officer RK Singh said the agreement with local NGO Waste Warriors was signed on Wednesday, which would start running the shelter within a week’s time, he said.
According to the agreement, the organisation will catch and rescue stray cattle in Dehradun and look after them at the shelter home. The owners will get their cattle by paying a penalty.
However, the animals will be handed over to the private cow shelter owners if they are not claimed within 10 days by their owners. The penalty amount is yet to be worked out.
Officials said the joint venture between the civic body and the organisation would go on for three months on a trial basis. The term may be extended based on the NGO’s performance, they said.
The corporation’s social and community development officer, Pallavi Joshi, said the NGO would meet its expenses of running the shelter by realising the fine money from cattle owners.
{{/usCountry}}The corporation’s social and community development officer, Pallavi Joshi, said the NGO would meet its expenses of running the shelter by realising the fine money from cattle owners.
{{/usCountry}}Waste Warriors co-founder Jodie Underhill said that besides rescuing and treating injured cows and bulls, the organisation would also apprise cattle owners of the dangers of leaving the cattle on streets.
Underhill said the NGO had been permitted to rescue the bovines alone at present. “But, we would love to provide our services for all animals too," she said.