The Tambaram City Municipal Corporation (TCMC) has decided to involve qualified non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in strengthening its animal welfare initiatives by inviting expressions of interest from organisations recognised by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). The move aims to improve the implementation of Animal Birth Control (ABC) programmes while ensuring better treatment and care for injured and sick animals within the corporation’s jurisdiction.

At present, the civic body operates three Animal Birth Control centres where sterilisation procedures for stray dogs are carried out. Under the proposed arrangement, the selected NGO will work alongside the corporation to undertake sterilisation surgeries, anti-rabies vaccination drives, rescue operations and post-operative care, while also managing shelter facilities for animals requiring treatment and rehabilitation.

According to the notification issued by the Veterinary Public Health Department, the NGO chosen for the project must maintain a well-equipped animal shelter with adequate infrastructure, veterinary services and proper documentation systems. The organisation will also be responsible for conducting Animal Birth Control surgeries and anti-rabies vaccination programmes in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Animal Welfare Board of India and the Animal Welfare Division.

The corporation has laid down strict eligibility criteria for participating organisations. Interested NGOs must possess a valid recognition certificate issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India and should have previous experience in implementing Animal Birth Control and anti-rabies vaccination programmes. In addition, they must employ qualified veterinarians, para-veterinary personnel and trained staff, while possessing the infrastructure needed to manage large-scale animal welfare operations.

The selected organisation will also be expected to comply with all provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. These regulations require humane handling of animals, proper surgical procedures and adequate recovery facilities to ensure animal welfare standards are maintained throughout the programme.

Apart from sterilisation and vaccination, the NGO will have to provide post-operative care for sterilised animals for at least five to six days, or until they recover fully. The organisation will also be entrusted with rescuing injured or sick stray animals, providing veterinary treatment, arranging shelter and ensuring their rehabilitation wherever necessary. Maintaining digital records of all operations and submitting monthly progress reports to the municipal corporation will also form part of the responsibilities.

Officials said the initiative is intended to improve the efficiency and quality of animal welfare services by bringing in experienced organisations that specialise in stray animal management. Through collaboration with recognised NGOs, the civic body hopes to ensure better implementation of sterilisation and vaccination programmes, which play an important role in controlling stray dog populations while reducing the risk of rabies transmission.

The Tambaram City Municipal Corporation has asked interested organisations to submit their proposals in sealed covers along with details of their experience, AWBI recognition certificates, supporting documents and financial quotations. The deadline for submitting applications has been fixed as July 9. Following scrutiny of the proposals, the corporation will select an eligible NGO to carry out the programme in accordance with prescribed guidelines and operational standards.