JAMMU DEC 11 : Jammu and Kashmir’s housing and urban development department has directed all urban local bodies to identify and secure key public institutions such as schools, hospitals, stadiums and major transport hubs against the entry of stray dogs within two weeks.
Urban local bodies have been told to map all government and private institutions, including schools, colleges, hospitals, bus stands, ISBTs and railway stations, and to classify high‑risk areas, especially those used frequently by children. They must help these institutions erect or repair boundary walls, install gates and take other structural measures to prevent dogs from entering their premises.
Municipal bodies are required to carry out inspections at least once every three months to ensure there are no stray dog habitats near these institutions. Any removal of dogs must be done humanely under Animal Birth Control rules and other welfare laws, with digital records kept for every animal picked up and released, and cruel methods explicitly banned.
Urban local bodies have been asked to submit budget estimates by December 15, while district magistrates will review progress fortnightly. Commissioners of Jammu and Srinagar municipal corporations and regional ULB directors must file a detailed compliance report within 30 days, with the department warning that delays or non‑compliance will attract disciplinary action.
