New airport dogged by canines

New airport dogged by canines
Author: Chetan.R Date: 06 Jun 2008

Stray dog menace on the tarmac has reportedly delayed flights; BBMP to send dog-catchers



As if the Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) did not have enough problems, it is now faced with a stray dog menace.

The stray dogs in Devanahalli have become such a major problem for the BIA, that they are now seeking help from the BBMP.

“The strays have caused us concern as they have invaded the runway. Flights have been delayed due to this,” said a source, who didn’t want to be named.

“Since the inauguration of the airport on May 23, flights have been delayed more than five times, due to the problems of dogs, though no one is willing to admit it,” the source added.

The BIA has approached the BBMP for help. BBMP, which has taken flak with regard to ist failure to curb the stray dog menace in the city, has responded to BIA’s call. It will send its dog-catching squad to tackle the problem.

Confirming that BIA has approached them, Jagannath, deputy director, animal husbandry wing of the BBMP, said, “We will send three trained dog-catchers to Devanahalli. CUPA will be roped in too. The stray dogs will be sterilised under the ABC programme.”

Ex-mayor P R Ramesh, said, “The ABC programme has not been successful in the past at the HAL airport. BIA officials should build a compound wall to keep strays out.”

Stray facts

2005-06: 28,006 cases of dog bites registered

2006: Mach 31, 16 persons including a six-year-old boy and an 80-year-old woman were bitten on a single day in Lakshmanapura slum

2007: An eight-year old girl died of dog bite on Jan 5. No. of strays is now 70,000 strays

2008: Increases to 1.43 lakhs stray