Squad Zoom Call with BBMP - Dr Lokesh AD Mahadevapura re ABC, 6pm Sat, 23 Nov 2024
Attended by Dr Lokesh, Dr Vivek, ADs of BBMP Mahadevapura Zone with Dr Mithun, Zonal ABC Center Manager, Spandana , along with members of related squads ie Whitefield, KR Puram, Marathahalli, Bellandur etc .
With a new ABC player like Spandana, there is great concern on how this centre is run, its process and standards. Given the last couple of years with frequent changes, disease, wrong drop offs, and a far away centre at Yelahanka etc etc , the confidence of animal lovers is at an all-time low. While there may be other issues, we wanted a zoom call or meeting to jointly reach out to BBMP and animal lovers and understand the layout and way forward on ABC .
Quick recap
The team discussed the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program in the Mahadevapura zone, focusing on the expansion of kennel capacity, anti-rabies vaccination drives, and the need for effective and hygienic processes in the center. They also discussed the operations and logistics of their animal care center, the possibility of using government veterinary hospital spaces, and the need for separate boards in lakes and parks to raise awareness about dog care and safety. The conversation ended with a commitment to work together to improve the overall effectiveness of the ABC program and make their area a healthy, 'rabies free and puppy-free zone".
Next steps discussed
• Dr. Lokesh to send ward-wise maps (below) ABC location and lists to squad members for better coordination.
• Mithun/Spandana to increase kennel capacity from 35 to 70 by mid-December via container.
• Dr. Lokesh to arrange an awareness program at Ryan International School
• Bharati to organize 2 communicators and posters for the Ryan International School awareness program.
• Mithun/Spandana to send pictures of their vehicle, uniforms, and center to squad members for identification.
• Dr. Lokesh to provide a letter allowing access to construction sites for dog catching.
• Dr. Lokesh to prioritize setting up a feeding point near Turahalli lake for 20-25 dogs.
• Dr. Lokesh to discuss with JD Builders about taking responsibility for feeding dogs on their premises.
Summary
Animal Birth Control Program Discussion
Priya organized this meeting to discuss the animal birth control (ABC) program in the Mahadevapura zone as this area has been a concern for a while. Dr. Lokesh, the assistant director, explained the current situation and plans. Spandana, an NGO, has been given the contract for ABC in the zone for 6 months. They currently have 35 kennels and can conduct 10-12 surgeries daily. The plan is to increase the kennel capacity to 70 by mid-December and eventually to 100-120 kennels. An anti-rabies vaccination drive has also started. Dr. Lokesh aims for at least 70% of the street dog population to be vaccinated. He seeks cooperation from animal welfare groups to plan and implement effective ABC activities in the zone. Chitra, part of Spandana's organ counting committee, offered to coordinate with local squads to facilitate catching dogs for ABC based on a pre-planned schedule. She also raised concerns about Spandana's capacity to handle an increased kennel load.
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Proactive Approach to Complaint Handling
In the meeting, Priya emphasized the need for a proactive approach to handling complaints and expanding their operations. Spandana is an unknown entity and we need to be confident about approach & process. She highlighted the importance of being both responsive and compassionate. Nandita suggested a more structured approach to ABC operations, such as area by area or ward by ward. She also mentioned the need to work on issues with defense areas and government lands. Priya and Nandita discussed the importance of having a visit to the center to feel a sense of comfort. They also discussed the need for effective and hygienic processes in the center, and the importance of proper discharge checks for the dogs. Spandana confirmed his  agreement with these points.
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GPS Tracking and Complaint Management
Spandana discussed the process of picking up dogs by their NGO, including the use of GPS technology to track the location of the dogs. Dr Mithun explained that they have separate groups for catching and releasing dogs, and that the GPS location is added to the photos taken of the dogs. Spandana also mentioned that they sort out complaints based on their location and route, ensuring that all complaints are attended to promptly. Priya acknowledged the use of GPS and the organization of the groups but expressed concerns about the reliability of the system and the potential for delays in attending to requests. The ABC Zone and Partner may be on Twitter but that should be done later once ops are settled
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Animal Care Center Operations
Priya, Spandana, Dr Lokesh, Chitra, Nandita, and Rishav discussed the operations and logistics of their animal care center. Spandana confirmed that they have three full-time doctors, Dr. Amit, Dr. Swarup, and Dr. Shubra, with Dr. Ranjit as an emergency doctor. They also have a team of catchers wearing dark blue uniforms and a vehicle with a banner displaying their NGO's name. The team agreed to send photographs of the catchers' uniforms and the vehicle to the group for awareness. Priya emphasized the importance of clear identification and communication to avoid confusion and ensure the legitimacy of their operations. The team also discussed the possibility of scheduling a visit to the center in the first week of December.
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ABC Center and Puppy-Friendly Spaces
Rishabh suggests using government veterinary hospital spaces for an ABC (Animal Birth Control) center, but the AD clarifies that those hospitals are under a different department and cannot be used. Priya advises going through BBMP, the municipal authority responsible for ABC activities. Rishabh then raises the issue of not having spaces to walk adopted puppies, as a lake in his area has banned dogs. He requests help from BBMP to make the area puppy-friendly by providing ABC services, allowing dogs on leashes in lakes, and enforcing rules like picking up after dogs. Priya appreciates Rishabh's efforts in rescuing and adopting puppies.
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Addressing Dog Safety and Awareness
In the meeting, Dr Lokesh and Chitra discussed the need for separate boards in lakes and parks to raise awareness about dog care and safety. Bharati expressed concerns about the lack of support for their efforts in the slums and the need for more vaccination drives and awareness programs, particularly in the area around Ryan International School. Bharati also highlighted the need for speed breakers in the area due to frequent accidents involving school buses and other vehicles. Priya suggested reaching out to the principal of Ryan International School for a top-level meeting and proposed a challenge for Bharati to organize a communication team and posters for the awareness drive. Kanika raised a concern about packs of unneutered dogs in the Budigare Cross area, which is outside the Bbmp limit, and requested help to address the issue before more apartments and villas are built in the area.
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ABC Program and Office Structure
The meeting involved discussions about the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program and the structure of the Bangalore Urban Deputy Commissioner's office. Dr. Lokesh and Priya explained the need for coordination with animal lovers and the importance of understanding the civic structure. They also discussed the challenges faced by the Bangalore Urban Deputy Commissioner's office and the need for volunteers to help with the ABC program. Dr. Vivek mentioned starting a Twitter account to share daily updates about the zone. The team also discussed the importance of giving feedback when things go right, not just when they go wrong. Dr. Vivek shared his plans to learn more about the ABC program and to visit the ABC center for management activities. The team expressed hope for more daily interactions in the future.
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Improving Animal Control and Sterilization
Priya, Dr. Lokesh, Dr. Vivek, Spandana, Mithun, Bharati, Praveen, Madhumitha, and others discussed strategies for improving the animal control and sterilization (ABC) program in their area. They agreed on the importance of community involvement, effective communication, and collaboration with service providers. Spandana shared their whatsapp groups to coordinate better, their team's successful methods for catching and releasing dogs, and the importance of providing feedback to improve the program. Collars on operated dogs would help as well as 7in1(even paid) vaccines on ARV drives. They also discussed the need for additional resources, such as a container for housing dogs, and the potential for expanding the program to cover more areas. The team also discussed the need for vaccinations and the possibility of partnering with JD Builders to provide food for dogs in their area. The conversation ended with a commitment to work together to make their area a "puppy-free zone" and to improve the overall effectiveness of the ABC program
The Tata Ace vehicles used for ABC
And Dark Blue catchers Uniforms with logo
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