DC Kishtwar reviews strategy for stray dog management

Kishtwar : In pursuance to the Supreme Court directions, the District Administration Kishtwar Friday convened a key meeting to review and discuss the management of stray dogs.
The meeting was chaired by the District Development Commissioner (DDC) Pankaj Kumar Sharma and focused on strengthening measures for effective stray dog management.
The DC directed the Heads of line departments to ensure the mapping of all offices functioning from government buildings and private accommodations, and to ensure that their premises are properly fenced, gated, and secured in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court.
During the deliberations, the CEO Municipal Council apprised the meeting that designated feeding spots for stray animals have been identified within municipal limits, and installation of signages is in progress.
“These feeding points must be clearly earmarked, officially notified, and regularly maintained to ensure public convenience while upholding humane treatment of animals,” the Deputy Commissioner maintained.
The DC emphasised the need to launch a joint mass awareness campaign by the concerned departments. “The campaign will focus on prevention of animal cruelty, canine sterilization, importance of designated feeding points, legal consequences of cruelty and dissemination of IEC material at public locations such as markets, bus stands, schools, and other prominent places,” he added.
The Municipal Council and Animal Husbandry Department were directed to ensure the humane lifting, transportation, sterilization, vaccination, tagging, and re-release of stray dogs strictly in line with Rule 11 of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. The DC stressed the establishment of a dog-friendly and humane environment, including temporary resting areas and safe zones.
The Animal Husbandry Department apprised the DC that the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has already been constituted, registered and is functional.
Pertinently, the Deputy Commissioner has already directed the Animal Husbandry Department to establish a full-fledged Animal Shelter-cum-ABC Centre on the allotted 10 kanal state land at Village Dool. The upcoming facility will house an operation theatre, post-operative wards, vaccination and feeding zones, along with a comprehensive record-maintenance system to streamline stray dog management efforts in the district.
The meeting was attended by ADC Pawan Kotwal; ACR Idrees lone; ACD, Manoj Kumar; ACP Neeraj Sharma; EO Municipal Council Mirza Mumtaz Iqbal; ARTO Tasleem Wani; ExEns, DSHO, Dy. CEO besides other officers and concerned staff.