Uttara Kannada DC orders strict implementation of SC guidelines on stray dog control

Karwar: 21 November 2025 (Bhatkallys News Bureau)  Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner K. Lakshmi Priya has issued firm instructions to officials across all concerned departments to fully implement the Supreme Court’s guidelines to curb the rising stray dog menace in the district. She has also directed them to submit detailed compliance reports within the prescribed timeframe.

Chairing a review meeting at the DC Office, Lakshmi Priya said the district administration must act and systematically to address increasing incidents involving stray dogs in public spaces.

She instructed officials to identify and report the number of stray dogs present in all government and private schools, colleges, hospitals, primary health centres, medical institutions, playgrounds, bus stands, bus depots, railway stations, and other public places. Local urban bodies were told to capture stray dogs and house them safely in fenced enclosures or suitable cages, and to undertake sterilisation wherever necessary. She emphasised coordination between urban bodies and nearby gram panchayats for effective action.

Pointing out that stray dogs often gather near transport hubs due to food waste and improper garbage disposal, the DC directed the concerned departments to ensure waste does not accumulate in these locations. The National Highways Authority and the Public Works Department were also asked to take measures to control stray dog presence along national and state highways.

Lakshmi Priya stressed the need for awareness programmes in all schools. Teachers and students should be trained in first aid for dog bites and precautionary steps to avoid such incidents. She instructed the Health Department to ensure that rabies vaccines remain adequately stocked across the district.

The DC said that the State Government must submit a detailed report to the Supreme Court, making it essential for all departments to complete their responsibilities on time and attach all required documents.

The meeting was attended by Zilla Panchayat CEO Dr. Dilish Shashi, Additional DC Sajid Mulla, Town Planning Director Zaheer Abbas, Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry Dr. Mohan Kumar, and several other officials.