Kolkata: Jadavpur University (JU) has formally requested the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to immediately capture all stray dogs from its campus, including areas near residential quarters, and ensure their vaccination and sterilization following a spate of dog-bite incidents on campus. The move comes after multiple reports of stray dogs biting a large number of people within the university premises over the past two weeks.
Animal Welfare Committee Proposes Action
Diganta Saha, chairman of the university's animal welfare committee, stated that the committee has proposed immediate capture, vaccination, and sterilization of all stray dogs on campus, in line with a Supreme Court order that allows for the dogs not to be returned to the same location. The university has also written to KMC requesting their assistance in these efforts. Additionally, the committee proposed a ban on feeding stray dogs and cats on JU premises, with plans to designate specific feeding zones in future meetings.
Opposition from Animal Lovers
However, a letter signed by over 580 animal lovers, including teachers and students, was submitted to the Vice Chancellor on Friday. The letter criticizes the committee's resolutions as "unscientific, ill-informed, and seemingly geared towards eliminating animals—specifically dogs—from the campus rather than ensuring their welfare." The signatories argue that the proposals go against the culture of empathy and coexistence that has historically marked the animal-human relationship on campus.
One teacher commented, "It seems the committee wants the dogs to starve with a proposal to ban feeding almost everywhere on campus. No designated dog feeding zone has been indicated by the committee."
Current Dog Population and Past Efforts
JU currently has approximately 60 dogs on campus. A student mentioned that a previous drive to sterilize and vaccinate dogs was conducted through crowdfunding. English professor Abhijit Gupta suggested that sterilization and vaccination should be done in consultation with existing caregivers to avoid duplication, and that sterilized and vaccinated dogs should be returned to the campus. He also emphasized that no one should be harassed for feeding the dogs.
University's Stance
An official clarified that the university has not issued any formal notice banning the feeding of strays on campus. "We need to handle this issue with empathy in consultation with various stakeholders so that dog bites are prevented, and, at the same time, the human-animal relationship is not affected," the official said.
