Hyderabad’s first-ever exclusive pet park will soon be filled with joyous bow-wows much to the delight of pet owners.

The park for canines, touted as the first such in the country, may be inaugurated in a week’s time.

It has been established by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) on 1.3 acres of land, which is a former dump yard.

Features galore

The brainchild of the Commissioner, West Zone, GHMC, D. Hari Chandana, the park has many enabling features for the physically challenged.

A walking track wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, ramp accesses to every nook, and accessible lawns are a few among them.

“There is a cafeteria with menu in Braille script, and variety of dog food,” says Ms. Chandana.

“We are also planning to install sign boards in Braille,” she adds.

Ms. Chandana says the thought of an exclusive pet park germinated in her mind when a few differently-abled pet parents and NGOs approached her sometime ago.

Unlimited fun is in the offing for the pooch too, what with pet play equipment, splash pools, and separate play areas for small and big canines.

Films to be screened

Short films spreading awareness among pet owners may be screened at the amphitheatre, and dog trainers will be available on order.

“The amphitheatre may be used to celebrate pets’ birthdays, for hosting vaccination drives on World Zoonosis Day, or to conduct dog shows,” says the Deputy Director (Veterinary) Abdul Wakeel.

Vaccination mandatory

The idea is to make the park a venue for regular vaccinations, and also issuing pet licences or licences for setting up private pet clinics.

Vaccination is mandatory for dogs entering the park, says Mr. Wakeel.

A total ₹1.1 crore has been spent on the park to equip it with state-of-the-art equipment.

The plan is to maintain them through private partnership. Tenders have been called for this.

Entry is not free for random curs though. Each pet will be charged ₹10 per visit.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad/ by Swathi Vadlamudi / Hyderabad – September 15th, 2018