To address the stray dog problem in the city, the Shimla Municipal Corporation on Sunday, 8 December, passed a resolution which grants households free parking and free garbage collection for adopting stray dogs, reports ANI.
"Earlier, we offered 50 percent off the garbage bill, but after viewing the response of the people, we thought that more people should join the adoption scheme. So, we offered free parking and exempted people from the garbage bill for adopting stray dogs, along with free registration and vaccination charges," SMC Commissioner Pankaj Rai told the news agency.
He added that 33 dogs had already been adopted by individuals and the corporation has invited NGOs and resident welfare associations for community adoptions.
“An agreement will be signed before adopting the dogs. To avoid conflict between humans and dogs, people would also need to identify a specific place for the dog, where its food will be provided.”Pankaj Rai to ANI
The SMC has introduced dog pounds on a trial basis on Shimla's Mall Road, to provide the dogs with a place to stay while their food is served at a different place.
"The local residents have appreciated the offer and are coming forward to provide the stray dogs with shelter. Not only will the dogs get a home, while the people will be safer on the streets," local resident Geeta Sood told ANI.
She added that she hadn’t received free parking yet, but the municipal corporation has assured her that she will get it soon.
Former Mayor of SMC Sanjay Chauhan, however, was skeptical of the plan. He alleged that the SMC is trying to impose their responsibilities on the people and suggested that it come up with a comprehensive plan to deal with the stray dog problem.
(With inputs from ANI)
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