Mudhol hound research centre coming up

Source: The Hindu


The proposal was first made by Govind Karjol in 2008

BEST HUNTERS: The Mudhol hound is known for its hunting skills. — FILE PHOTO: K. MURALI KUMAR

The Mudhol hound is known for its ability to endure extreme weather and for its hunting skills. It is a favourite with farmers in this region. But the breed is on the verge of extinction.

These dogs were brought to India by Arabs, Persians and Afghans in ancient times. The dogs followed their masters from place to place.

Realising the need for preserving the breed, Minister for Minor Irrigation and Social Welfare Govind Karjol, who is in-charge of the district, decided to open a Mudhol Hound Research and Information Centre at Timmapur in Mudhol taluk of Bagalkot district. He had submitted a proposal to Animal Husbandry Minister Revu Nayak Belamagi seeking approval to start the centre under the management of Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fishery Sciences University of Bidar district in 2008.

Mr. Karjol told The Hindu that the State Government had approved the project and had released Rs. 2.5 crore to Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fishery Sciences University for taking up civil works.

The university authorities had started construction of a building for the centre and it would be developed in fives years in a phased manner by spending Rs. 5 crore, he said.

The Mudhol Hound Research and Information Centre aimed at conducting research on physical strengths, food habits, training, management and reproduction in collaboration with doctors of foreign countries, to conduct training programmes on developing the breed and providing facilities for selling these dogs, he said.

Campaign

Plans were afoot to launch nationwide awareness campaign about the dog. There were also plans to start postgraduation and diploma course on veterinary medicines and conducting dog shows and exhibitions.