Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov. 9: A five-day training programme on Animal Birth Control (ABC) and Surgical Skill Development was successfully organized from 3rd to 7th November, 2025 at the Dog Sterilization Centre, Dollygunj, by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS), Sri Vijaya Puram, in association with the World Veterinary Service (WVS), Goa, India.
The five-day programme concluded with a valedictory function, where certificates were distributed to all participants (07 Senior Veterinary Officers and 08 Veterinary Compounders) by Smti. Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, Secretary (AH & VS) in the presence of Director, AH&VS.
The programme aimed to enhance the practical knowledge and surgical proficiency of veterinary officers and supporting staff engaged in the Animal Birth Control initiative across the Islands. The training focused on improving skills in dog sterilization surgeries, Anesthesia management, aseptic techniques, and postoperative care, ensuring humane and efficient population control of stray dogs.
Expert Veterinarians Dr.Kshitija Kargirwar and Dr. Amanda Fernadis from the World Veterinary Service (WVS) served as resource persons, providing hands-on demonstrations and guidance to participants. The sessions emphasized global best practices and animal welfare standards in ABC programmes.
Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS India) provides practical clinical training courses for veterinarians, animal handlers, veterinary assistants and project managers, focusing on surgery, anaesthesia, animal welfare and humane dog population management.
During the inaugural session, senior officials from AHVS highlighted the importance of strengthening the capacity of veterinary professionals to achieve effective implementation of ABC initiatives in line with the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.
Participants expressed their gratitude to Secretary, AH&VS, Director, AH&VS and WVS, India for organizing such an insightful and skill-enhancing training. The skill up gradation will enhance the surgical skill and reduce healing period, which will improve the rate of sterilization.