Delay hits stray dog sterilization campaign

CHANDIGARH: Demolition of 32 cages at the pet animal medical centre teaching hospital in Panchkula, which was done last year, has stalled the stray dog sterilization campaign. The cages were demolished after Devi Nagar residents complained of noise made by the dogs.
The new building for stray dogs was to be handed over to the hospital over in May but was delayed.This led to space constraints. The MC promised to set up 60 new cages in four months. But six months on, the new building has not been handed over. "Space is a major issue. May 15 was the date decided on by the MC to hand over the new dog hostel for stray dogs," said Dr MR Singla officer in-charge.
At present, there are 30 cages, which are mostly occupied as Tricity residents leave their dogs there while going on vacation. The new building has a capacity of 60 cages. It was to be raised to nearly 100 cages.
Panchkula mayor Upinder Kaur Ahluwalia said, "Construction work is already in progress. Delay in payment to the contractor led to delay in work," she said.