 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Nov 28: An awareness cum interaction program was successfully organized today by the Veterinary section of Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) in collaboration with Govt. Girls Hr. Sec. School, Rehari, Jammu. The primary objective of the program was to educate school students about the significance of the Animal Birth Control Program implemented by JMC across all 75 wards of Municipal Corporation, Jammu, and its positive impact on society.
Kulbhushan Khajuria, Joint Commissioner (H&S), JMC, graced the event as the chief guest. Distinguished guests, including Jyoti Prakash Sharma, Principal Govt. Girls Hr. Sec. School, Rehari, Jammu, Pooja Rani, Vice Principal, Dr. Vinod Kumar Sharma, Health Officer JMC, Dr. Divya Sharma, MVO, JMC, and other officials of MVO section, JMC, along with faculty members of the school, were also present.
Dr. Divya Sharma, MVO, JMC, introduced the faculty and students to the Animal Birth Control Program and its progress in Jammu. She highlighted that, of the approximately 43,000 stray dog population in Jammu city, around 36,000 have already been sterilized and vaccinated under the ABC program. Dr. Sharma emphasized that, as per ABC (Dog) Rules, 2023, stray dogs are not relocated but are captured for sterilization and vaccination before being released back in the same area with a permanent identification mark, the "Right Ear-notch."
Health Officer, JMC, Dr. Vinod Kumar Sharma, provided guidance to the faculty and students on rabies prevention, control, and immediate steps to be taken in case of a dog bite.
Dr. Divya Sharma conducted a detailed presentation on the implementation, objectives, various Animal Welfare activities, and the success of the ABC/ARV program run by JMC within its limits. She showcased how effective ABC program implementation can control the stray dog population and, consequently, curb the spread of rabies in both human and animal populations.
In his address, Joint Commissioner (H&S) JMC commended the Veterinary services wing for organizing mass awareness programs in educational institutions. He expressed gratitude to the school authorities for their support and urged the public, Resident Welfare Associations, Animal Welfare Organizations, and local animal activists to cooperate for the effective implementation of the ABC/ARV program in Jammu city. He also advised the Veterinary wing to continue organizing such awareness programs with students in the future.
Principal Jyoti Prakash Sharma shared his perspective on the ABC/ARV program and its importance in controlling the menace of stray dogs and preventing the spread of rabies. He extended appreciation to JMC authorities for organizing an extensive and informative session for the students.
The collaborative effort between JMC and Govt. Girls Hr. Sec. School aimed to enhance awareness and promote responsible animal welfare practices among the younger generation. |
