In a significant move to address the issue of stray dogs on its premises, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has initiated a structured action plan. The civic body's Cattle Nuisance Control Department is appointing dedicated nodal officers to ensure municipal buildings remain free of stray canines.
Appointments and Mandate Under Supreme Court Directive
The appointments of 25 nodal officers so far are a direct response to a ruling by the Supreme Court of India on the management of stray animals. These officers will bear the primary responsibility for keeping AMC-owned buildings and premises clear of stray dogs. As per the official directive, every public building under the AMC's jurisdiction must now display a board at its main entrance. This board will clearly list the contact details of the assigned nodal officer, ensuring public accountability.
To bolster this effort, the AMC is establishing a dedicated inspection team and a specialized task force. This combined unit will be tasked with the monthly monitoring of all government and private public buildings for stray dog presence. An official emphasized the goal, stating that inspection teams must verify that public buildings have not turned into permanent shelters for strays.
Comprehensive Strategy: From Fencing to Vaccination
The AMC's strategy extends beyond mere monitoring. The task force has a clear mandate to prevent the feeding of stray dogs within building premises, on adjacent streets, and in other public places. The corporation plans to identify key buildings for focused action, including:
- Government and private educational institutions
- Hospitals, primary health centres, and medical colleges
- Major transit hubs like bus terminals and railway stations
Officials stated that illegal waste disposal sites and unofficial feeding zones within these public buildings will be systematically shut down. The AMC will also conduct meetings with the administrative heads of all such buildings across the city to ensure coordination.
A critical part of the plan involves physical infrastructure changes. Under the supervision of the District Magistrate, all identified premises will be secured with adequate fencing, boundary walls, and gates to physically block the entry of stray dogs. Entry points currently used by dogs will be sealed. Furthermore, the AMC has announced plans to construct new dog shelters to accommodate strays that are removed from these locations.
Healthcare and Sterilization Drive
On the public health front, the AMC will enforce a rule requiring all government and private hospitals to maintain a sufficient stock of Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV) and immunoglobulin. A special drive will be conducted to administer the ARV to dogs as a preventive measure.
The plan also includes the systematic removal of stray dogs from buildings and their transfer to shelters. As part of a long-term population and disease control strategy, puppies older than six months will be sterilized and vaccinated. This sterilization and vaccination program is planned to be conducted annually for a period of five years.
