Div Com Kashmir reviews ATR on stray animal issues as per SC directions

Srinagar, Dec 09: To ensure effective implementation of the directions issued by the Supreme Court of India in the Suo Moto Writ Petition “City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay Price” vs State of Andhra Pradesh, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Tuesday chaired Divisional level Committee meeting with Deputy Commissioners, SSPs, and divisional heads of all concerned departments to review the Action Taken Reports submitted by respective officers and agencies.

During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner called for the immediate constitution and registration of Societies for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) by all Deputy Commissioners.

He directed departments to conduct a survey and mapping of government offices and establishments to prevent the entry of stray animals by ensuring proper fencing and deployment of chowkidars.

Garg also instructed departments to nominate nodal officers for collecting data from institutions and establishments regarding compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions.

The Div Com further directed the Director Health Services, Principal GMC Srinagar, Director RDD, Director Colleges, and Director School Education to launch extensive IEC campaigns to raise awareness among the public and students about first aid after dog bites and the essential follow-up treatment measures.

The Director of Animal Husbandry was instructed to run similar IEC campaigns on the protocols for adopting pets.

Regarding the availability of essential medical supplies, the Div Com asked the Health Department to ensure adequate stock of Anti-Rabies Vaccines in all health institutions.

He also called for the identification of land in each district for setting up Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres and facilities for the rehabilitation of stray animals.

Additionally, Garg urged SMC officials to regulate waste management dumps, which often attract stray dogs and pose risks to children and the elderly.