Udupi District Administration Mandates Comprehensive Stray Dog Management Plan
In a decisive move to address the persistent issue of stray dogs, Udupi Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa TK has issued strict directives to district officials for the full implementation of the Supreme Court's guidelines on controlling the stray dog menace. The instructions were delivered during a crucial district-level committee meeting held on Saturday, emphasizing a humane and scientific approach as mandated by the apex court.
Supreme Court Directives Take Center Stage
Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa TK underscored that the Supreme Court has issued specific, comprehensive directions aimed at preventing the nuisance caused by stray dogs while ensuring public safety. She mandated that all concerned departments and local bodies must rigorously enforce these guidelines without delay. The Supreme Court's order emphasizes a balanced strategy that prioritizes both animal welfare and community protection.
Detailed Action Plan for Urban and Rural Areas
The district administration has already conducted a thorough survey identifying 440 stray dogs across 253 institutions in urban areas of Udupi district. These institutions include:
- Government and private educational institutions
- Government offices at various levels
- Major transportation hubs including bus and railway stations
- Healthcare facilities and hospitals
- Sports complexes and recreational centers
Officials have been given a strict two-day deadline to submit detailed documentation including GPS-tagged photographs of identified stray dog locations, along with comprehensive information about appointed nodal officers. This documentation must include the names of nodal officers, their mobile contact numbers, and photographic evidence of signboards installed at institution gates. Similar requirements for nodal officer details have been extended to rural areas of the district.
Infrastructure Development for Dog Shelters
Significant progress has been made in identifying land for establishing dedicated dog shelters across each taluk of Udupi district. The identified locations include:
- Nine acres of land within Udupi city limits
- 1.5 acres near the Kandavar dumping yard in Kundapura
- One acre in Karkala taluk
- Three acres in Shirva area of Kaup taluk
- One acre in Byndoor region
- Three acres in Giliyaru of Saligrama village
These shelters will specifically accommodate rabies-infected or aggressive dogs that require capture and isolation. Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa TK emphasized that all shelters must strictly adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that guarantee adequate food supply, clean drinking water, proper shade provisions, and essential veterinary care. Each shelter location must prominently display a 'Dog Shelter' board for public awareness.
Comprehensive Implementation Strategy
The district administration's plan incorporates multiple strategic components:
Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programs: Officials have been directed to intensify ABC programs across the district as a long-term solution to control the stray dog population.
Rabies Prevention: A comprehensive vaccination drive has been mandated to prevent the spread of rabies, addressing both animal and public health concerns.
Designated Feeding Locations: In accordance with Supreme Court directives, local bodies and gram panchayats must identify specific, designated locations for feeding stray dogs based on the actual stray dog population in each area. Feeding activities are strictly prohibited in all other public places, with nodal officers held responsible for ensuring compliance.
Public Grievance Mechanism: The Deputy Commissioner has instructed officials to establish a dedicated helpline specifically for stray dog-related complaints, with a mandate for prompt action on all received complaints.
Community Engagement: Awareness programs focusing on dog adoption will be organized, potentially including dog shows to encourage responsible pet ownership and community participation.
High-Level Committee Oversight
The district-level committee meeting saw participation from key officials including Zilla Panchayat Deputy Secretary SS Kadrolli, Deputy Director of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Dr. Reddappa MC, Udupi City Municipal Commissioner Mahantesh Hangargi, and representatives from various concerned departments. This multi-departmental approach ensures coordinated implementation across administrative boundaries.
Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa TK's comprehensive directives represent a significant step toward systematic, humane stray dog management in Udupi district, balancing Supreme Court mandates with practical ground-level implementation for enhanced public safety and animal welfare.
