Sterilization centre shut, dogs cry for shelter

The dog sterilization centre in Sector 27 Vashi has been closed from past 15 days because of the bad condition of the building. The corporation had given the sterilization centre to In Defense of Animals (IDA) an NGO on contract basis on 26th July 2006 but one month back, the centre received a notice from the corporation to shut the centre and stop bringing animals for treatment or operation at the centre.

“Immediately after getting the notice we stopped operating animals at the centre but started a new van service for animals from 8th September. Whenever we get calls on the helpline number 9320056585/ 32681419 we take the van to that area along with the medicines and treat them on the spot. But we have only one van and we get atleast 10 calls daily. Therefore it becomes difficult to reach every place,” informed Dr Pradeep Londhe, IDA doctor at Vashi centre. “Earlier we used to bring the animals after treating them but now due to no space, we have to leave them where we treat them,” he added.

When contacted NMMC Health officer Dr Paropkari to know whether the corporation has provided any alternative place to IDA, he said, “NMMC has not given them any other place and I have no idea when the work will begin.”

Goodicia Vaidya, Manager of IDA centre, Deonar informed, “Other than Vashi we have a centre at Deonar and Lonawala where we not only treat injured animals but also keep them till they completely recover and get well. Now as the Vashi centre is shut, we feel helpless many times. People call us with a hope to help the needy animals but we are unable to help every caller. Even we need help from NMMC as we require a centre at some other place in Navi Mumbai so that we can treat the city animals and provide them shelter as it becomes difficult to carry them from Navi Mumbai to Deonar.”

Due to the poor condition of the building, there is a fear of the slab falling and injuring anybody. Hence the centre is closed but when the reconstruction work of the building will begin is a question for the IDA doctors as well as NMMC officers.