SMC issues dog feeding guidelines, seeks public help
Srinagar, Nov 25: Following the Supreme Court order on humane management of dog population and safeguarding citizens across states of India, the Srinagar Municipality has issued guidelines today detailing the feeding of dogs among populated areas. It desires the communities and mohallas to designate spots and persons to ensure the feeding of animals, and ensure that feeding times keep the children and elderly safe.
The guidelines come after SC directed states to hasten effective management of the dog population through a humane approach and animal birth control.
As per the order, it will be the responsibility of the Resident Welfare Associations, Apartment Welfare Association, Mohalla Committee Representatives or the Local Body's representative or an Animal Welfare Activists of that area to ensure arrangements for feeding of community animals residing in the particular area. The person who feeds animals and takes care of them will do so as a compassionate gesture. The mohalla walas and resident welfare associations will identify feeding spots while keeping in mind the number of the dog population and their respective territories. The feeding spots must be far from children's play areas, staircases or in an area which is likely to be least frequented by children and senior citizens.
The feeding time will be decided and adhered to the times of movement of children, senior citizens and spots which these vulnerable groups frequent. The person who is assigned the responsibility of feeding has to ensure there is no littering at the feeding location or violation of guidelines framed by the Resident Welfare Association or Apartment Owner Association, or that area.
The feeders will be allowed to volunteer for the vaccination programs of SMC and their catching and release drives in order to augment the Animal Birth Control Programme.
The SMC has asked the public and residents, and welfare committees to volunteer and feed community animals living around them as a compassionate gesture.
