NT Reporter
Panaji
The Department of Urban Development (Municipal Administration) directed all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to strictly comply with a recent Supreme Court order concerning the management of stray (community) dogs.
The directive was addressed to the Commissioner of the Corporation of the City of Panaji and all chief officers of municipal councils.
“The ULBs shall forthwith commence an exercise for creating dedicated feeding spaces for community dogs in each municipal ward,” stated the directive.
It added that the number and size of these spaces must correspond to the dog population and concentration in each ward, ensuring sufficient feeding zones to prevent animals from wandering outside in search of food.
As per the order “no feeding is allowed outside designated feeding zones” and ULBs have been instructed to install notice boards clearly stating that street feeding is prohibited and liable for legal action.
ULBs are required to establish dedicated helplines for dog-related concerns and conduct awareness drives to educate residents.
Feeding areas must be located away from children’s play zones, entrances, or crowded places and feeding should be scheduled during low-activity hours. Feeders must maintain cleanliness at the spots and assist in sterilisation and rabies vaccination under the ABC programme.
“Strict actions, in accordance with law, shall be taken against individuals threatening or fighting with feeders,” stated the directive, adding that animal lovers may apply to adopt community dogs.
Continuous sterilisation and vaccination drives are to be implemented, with
rabies-infected or aggressive dogs kept in care centres. New dog pounds will also be developed for their housing.
Each ULB must appoint a nodal officer for sterilisation and vaccination, while the Department will create a monitoring cell to oversee the programme.
“The ULB shall strictly comply with the ABC Rules, 2023,” the directive stated.
