Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 6: The Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services advanced its Animal Birth Control (ABC) campaign in Hut Bay, Little Andaman with dedicated school awareness programmes on Jan. 2, reaching more than 100 students across two institutions.
The veterinary team conducted interactive sessions on prevention of dog bites, managing dog menace, immediate first-aid measures, the importance of dog vaccination, and responsible community practices to support humane stray dog management.
At Ananda Marga Primary School, Rabindra Nagar, 25 students and 6 staff members participated enthusiastically, engaging in practical discussions tailored to younger children. At PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, R K Pur, 76 students and 4 staff members attended, raising thoughtful questions on safety protocols and the role of the ABC programme.
Both sessions emphasised simple life-saving steps such as maintaining distance from unknown dogs, thorough wound washing with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes in case of a bite, prompt reporting to health facilities, and avoiding roadside feeding of strays. The long-standing rabies-free status of the islands was highlighted, along with the need for community cooperation in sterilization drives to ensure continued safety.