Stray Dog Control Tightened: J&K Orders Mapping Of Schools, Hospitals

Srinagar- The Jammu and Kashmir Housing and Urban Development Department on Thursday directed all urban local bodies to map schools, hospitals, stadiums and major transport hubs within two weeks and secure them against the entry of stray dogs. The directive includes mandatory quarterly inspections and humane ABC based removal of stray dogs from these sensitive areas, with a detailed compliance report due in 30 days.

In a circular issued to all ULBs across the Union Territory, Commissioner Secretary Mandeep Kaur instructed officials to immediately implement measures mandated by the Supreme Court for managing stray dogs in institutional zones. The order requires a comprehensive two week exercise to identify all government and private institutions including schools, colleges, hospitals, stadiums, bus stands, ISBTs and railway stations. ULBs have also been asked to classify high risk areas, particularly those frequented by children.

“All urban local bodies, in coordination with the district magistrates concerned, shall, within a period of two weeks from the issuance of this circular, complete the identification of all government and private institutions falling within their territorial limits,” the circular stated.

The department further directed ULBs to assist administrative heads of all identified institutions in taking immediate structural and administrative steps to secure their premises. This includes erecting or repairing boundary walls, installing gates and adopting any additional measures necessary to prevent the ingress of stray dogs. Departments must submit budget estimates by December 15, while district magistrates will monitor progress every fortnight.

Municipal authorities have been told to conduct mandatory inspections every three months to ensure no stray dog habitats exist near institutional areas. The circular specifies that all removal processes must adhere strictly to ABC Rules and animal welfare laws.“The use of cruel methods, indiscriminate poisoning or any form of inhumane treatment is strictly prohibited and will attract severe disciplinary action,” it warned.

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