DC Anantnag reviews ATR on stray dog issue, calls for effective implementation of Supreme Court directions

• Emphasizes accelerated focus on dog sterilisation, vaccinations

ANANTNAG: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, today chaired a meeting of the District Level Committee (DLC) to review the Action Taken Report (ATR) and the measures being undertaken by various departments for prevention of dog bites, stray dog management, sterilization and vaccination.

The meeting was attended by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner Development, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, ARTO, Chief Education Officer, District Informatics Officer, NIC, Chief Executive Officer, Municipal Council Anantnag, Executive Officers of Municipal Committees, representatives from various departments and other concerned officials.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the Action Taken Report of the concerned departments and took stock of the measures being implemented for prevention of dog bites, stray dog management, sterilization and vaccination. He directed all concerned officers to ensure effective and time-bound implementation of the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and subsequent GAD instructions. He stressed that all departments must accord due priority to the issue and ensure regular monitoring and inspection of vulnerable and important locations.

Dr. Bilal instructed the departments to prepare a comprehensive inventory of their infrastructure, including government buildings, hospitals, schools, colleges and other public institutions, and ensure that such premises are adequately secured through proper fencing, boundary walls and gates. He further directed that gaps identified during inspections be incorporated in the relevant departmental plans for necessary action.

The Deputy Comissioner further called for identification of suitable land and buildings at feasible locations for establishment of animal shelters/kennels in the district. He stressed the need for adequate infrastructure for housing and managing dogs undergoing sterilization and other related activities.

Reviewing the availability of Anti-Rabies Vaccines (ARV), the DC directed the health authorities to maintain adequate and uninterrupted stocks of ARV at healthcare institutions across the district so that dog-bite victims receive timely treatment.

The DC directed the Chief Animal Husbandry Officer to undertake the Animal Birth Control/sterilization programme on a regular basis and constitute dedicated veterinary teams for the purpose. He stressed that adequate veterinary manpower, equipment and teams should be deployed to ensure accelerated focus on sterilization and stray dog management in accordance with the SOPs and approved procedures.

The DC also called for systematic updating of data relating to dog-bite cases, sterilization, vaccination, dog-catching teams, availability of kennels and shelters, veterinary manpower, inspections and field visits. He directed the concerned departments to ensure timely uploading and updating of all relevant information for effective monitoring of the programme.

Emphasizing coordinated action, the Deputy Commissioner called for regular inspections of important public places and directed the concerned officers to ensure proper implementation of preventive measures at schools, colleges, hospitals, government offices and other institutions. He further stressed that dogs undergoing sterilization should be provided appropriate care and feeding during the prescribed period and that proper arrangements be made for their safe handling and release in accordance with the applicable guidelines.

The meeting further decided that the Nodal Officers from respective departments would maintain close coordination for implementation of the prescribed measures. It was emphasised that all Nodal Officers and concerned committees must remain vigilant and undertake regular inspections and coordinated field-level action to address the stray dog issue effectively.