Div Com issues instruction for control of stray of Dogs.

 

Acting on reports which appeared in print media and public complaints in connection with the problems due to menace of stray dogs in the Valley and particularly the city, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon convened a meeting to discuss the issue. The meeting was attended by Additional Commissioner, Kashmir Abdul Majid Wani, Director Health Services, Kashmir Dr. Mohammed Amin Wani, Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir, Dr. Gh. Rasool Mir, Additional District Development Commissioner, Srinagar Sarmad Hafeez, Dean Veterinary Sciences SKUAST-K, OSD with Div Com Kashmir Aamir Ali, Health Officer, SMC Dr Reyaz Ahmed, Dy Director Animal Husbandry, Dr MA Chisti, Supdt Central Vetenirary Hospital, Prof Zamir Andrabi, Editor City Page Greater Kashmir Majid Hyderi, General Secy Valley Citizens Council Imdad Saqi, Associate Prof SKUAST-K, Dr M.R. Fazili, Dy. Director Information.

 

The issues were discussed threadbare and it was noted with concern that population of stray dogs is growing day by day. It was decided that in order to stabilize the growth of stray dogs, the SMC has prepared a project proposal of Rs 4.5 Crores which has been submitted to the Animal Welfare Board, Govt of India, so that they provide expertise and funds for scientific sterilisation of dogs. 50 % expenditure will be borne by Animal Welfare Baord and 50% by the State Govt.

 

SKUAST-K and Animal Husbandry Deptt. would provide technical support to the Srinagar Municipal Corporation for conducting sterilisation.

 

It was decided that Srinagar Municipal Corporation will train some staff as dog catchers. Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir announced that an incentive of Rs 50/- would be given as incentive for every male dog caught by these catchers. The dogs would be sterilised and marked with tags and released back in their own territory. Dog catching equipment will be got fabricated by SMC.

 

At the request of the Chairman Animal Welfare Board it was decided to constitute Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in each district headed by the respective Deputy Commissioner. The other members of the Society would be from Animal husbandry, Police, SMC or Local bodies, Health Deptt, compassionate citizens and representatives from NGO and media.

 

Div Com also gave instructions to SMC to ensure that garbage is not left in the open unattended, as it causes a public nuisance and attracts stray dogs. It was informed that SMC has 500 open garbage sheds out of which 260 sheds are covered. It was informed that SMC clears 350 MT of garbage every day. Instructions were given to SMC to ensure that butchers and chicken sellers do not throw offal in the open. SMC was also directed to construct Butcheries so that this issue is addressed.