Cabinet Minister for Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion, Power and Local Government, Shri Sanjeev Arora, today directed Municipal Corporation Commissioners and Additional Deputy Commissioners (G&UD) to take immediate, coordinated and result-oriented action to effectively tackle the growing issue of stray dog menace across Punjab.
Describing the matter as a serious public safety and public health concern, the Minister emphasized that the increasing number of stray dogs in urban and semi-urban areas has become a significant challenge affecting daily life of citizens.
He highlighted that incidents of dog bites, attacks on children and elderly persons, and aggressive packs roaming in residential areas have created fear and insecurity among the public.
Shri Arora noted that the stray dog menace is not only a safety issue but also a major public health risk, as dog bites can lead to life-threatening diseases such as rabies. He added that frequent complaints are being received regarding stray dogs chasing pedestrians, two-wheeler riders, and school-going children, often leading to accidents and injuries.
The Minister further pointed out that the unchecked population growth of stray dogs is largely due to lack of systematic sterilization and improper waste management, which provides easy access to food sources. Open garbage dumps and food waste in public places contribute significantly to the proliferation of stray dogs, worsening the situation.
To address the issue comprehensively, Shri Arora issued the following directions:
Immediate scaling up of sterilization programs to control stray dog population in a humane and scientific manner.
Mass vaccination drives to prevent the spread of rabies and other zoonotic diseases.
Strengthening of dog shelters and holding facilities to manage aggressive or injured animals.
Improved solid waste management systems, ensuring timely disposal of garbage to eliminate food sources for stray dogs.
Constitution of dedicated monitoring teams at district and city levels for regular review and accountability.
Public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on safe behavior around stray animals and responsible waste disposal.
He stressed that all measures must be implemented strictly in accordance with animal welfare norms while ensuring that public safety remains the top priority.
Shri Arora directed that these initiatives be undertaken on a war footing, with visible and measurable outcomes. He also instructed all concerned officers to maintain close coordination with local bodies, veterinary departments, and NGOs to ensure effective execution of the action plan.
In order to ensure accountability and timely implementation, the Minister has asked all Municipal Corporation Commissioners and ADCs (G&UD) to submit a detailed action-taken report within seven days to his office.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, Shri Arora said that the Punjab Government is fully dedicated to creating safe, hygienic and citizen-friendly urban environments, and that no laxity in addressing this issue will be tolerated.
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