Risking rabies and razor-sharp teeth deserves more pay

They might not be eligible for getting a bravery award yet, but the dogcatchers of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), want at least some recognition for the perilous nature of their work, reports Neelam Pandey.

They might not be eligible for getting a bravery award yet, but the dogcatchers of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), want at least some recognition for the perilous nature of their work.

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The 153-odd dog-catchers now want a special 'risk allowance' for putting their life at danger in rounding up stray dogs from the city.

The dog-catching squad of the civic agency that comes under the veterinary department has asked the executive wing for an allowance of Rs. 690.

MCD approved the proposal on Wednesday. This amount will be paid over and above their salaries.

“As the density of population is very high in Delhi and areas very congested, catching stray dogs becomes cumbersome for the squad,” said a senior MCD official.

“At times dogs have attacked the catchers, resulting in serious injuries to the team. Many get bitten during duty and are also prone to exposure to rabies. At present, no special allowance is given to these staff for carrying out this risky job," said a senior MCD official.

And why the somewhat-idiosyncratic amount of Rs 690?

MCD’s dog and cattle catchers get paid around Rs 10,000 per month. Rs 690 is the allowance already paid as patient care allowance to staff working in the malaria department. This is also the amount paid to daily wager cattle catching staff as well as beldars who are engaged in the vet department.