Sangrur Advocate Raises Alarm Over Stray Dog Menace in Civil Hospital
A local advocate from Sangrur has formally addressed Punjab's political and administrative leadership, highlighting what he describes as a serious and persistent stray dog menace in Sangrur city, with particular emphasis on the District Civil Hospital premises. Advocate Kamal Anand of Sangrur has submitted an email-cum-postal representation to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, and other officials, seeking urgent intervention in accordance with the Supreme Court of India's directives regarding the removal of stray dogs from sensitive public places.
Supreme Court Guidelines and Alleged Non-Compliance
In his complaint, Anand pointed out that despite clear directions from the Supreme Court mandating the removal of stray dogs from hospital premises, bus stands, railway stations, and educational institutions, the authorities in Punjab have failed to protect citizens from this hazard. He argued that the continuing presence of stray dogs inside the District Civil Hospital, Sangrur, constitutes non-compliance with apex court guidelines on public safety and hygiene in critical public areas.
Copies of the representation were also marked to the Solicitor General of India and a member of the Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) to bring the ground reality of Punjab's civil hospitals to the notice of constitutional and human rights authorities.
Recent Incidents and Public Safety Concerns
Citing recent incidents, the advocate stated that citizens, including vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, are being routinely bitten by stray dogs in Sangrur. Specific cases mentioned in the letter include:
- A five-year-old boy undergoing treatment for a kidney ailment who was allegedly bitten by stray dogs.
- Another five-year-old boy reportedly bitten just days earlier.
- An elderly woman, whose case was highlighted by local media after she suffered dog bite injuries.
Anand termed the situation as most disturbing, referring to videos circulating on social media that purportedly show several stray dogs roaming freely inside the District Civil Hospital premises. One of the reels, attached with the representation, reportedly showed dogs sitting on patient beds in the medical emergency ward and others resting inside the ward, which the complainant said poses serious health risks and violates the sanctity of a medical facility.
Accountability and Human Rights Implications
The advocate clarified that doctors should not be blamed for the situation, arguing that control of stray animals is a statutory responsibility of municipal bodies and the district administration, not of medical staff. According to the letter, residents of Sangrur are living in constant fear due to the dog menace, with children allegedly afraid to go out to play or attend tuitions and elderly citizens reportedly unable to walk without protection.
Warning that failure to treat the matter on priority could lead to loss of life, Anand framed the issue as one of human rights and dignity of vulnerable sections. He urged the PSHRC to consider appropriate action on alleged rights violations and requested that the Civil Hospital and other key public spaces in Sangrur, such as bus stands, railway stations, and educational institutions, be made free of stray dogs in a time-bound manner, in line with Supreme Court directions.
Official Response and Next Steps
When contacted, Senior Medical Officer Dr. Vinod said, We have written and requested the Executive Officer, urging them to take action in this matter. This indicates that the hospital administration has acknowledged the issue and is seeking assistance from municipal authorities to address the stray dog problem.
The advocate's representation underscores a broader public safety concern in Sangrur, calling for immediate and effective measures to ensure compliance with legal guidelines and protect the well-being of citizens, especially in healthcare settings where hygiene and safety are paramount.
