Jaipur: The local self-govt (LSG) department Friday issued a notification to implement the Supreme Court orders of Nov 7 to remove stray dogs and other stray animals from govt and educational institutions and all from highways passing through the state.Speaking to TOI, a senior LSG department official said the department would soon organise a conference to determine a set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) on how to implement the orders mentioned in the notification. “Officials of different ULBs, animal activists and senior LSG department officials will attend this conference to be held next week. We would prepare the SOPs during the conference,” an official stated.The notification directed urban bodies to ensure that educational institutions (govt and non-govt), district hospitals, primary health centres and medical colleges, sports complexes and stadiums, bus depots and railway stations in their areas are identified within two weeks.“These dogs can be kept in a separate kennel, where it will be provided with food and water twice daily until its natural death. The ULBs will ensure that such shelters shall have CCTV, veterinary teams, necessary facilities, and cleanliness. Appropriate arrangements shall be ensured in collaboration with Animal Welfare Organizations (AWOs),” the notification stated.It also outlined dos and don’ts in the event of dog bites, stating that suspected dogs that repeatedly bite should be humanely captured and kept in a separate kennel. If the dog is found to be rabies-free after examination by a veterinarian, it should be vaccinated according to ABC rules and released back to its original habitat.The notification further directed all ULBs to earmark designated feeding zones at all colonies under their respective jurisdictions and to place signs stating “Dog Feeding Zone”.The LSG Department also issued helpline number 181 for registering complaints and providing assistance regarding dog bites in all urban areas. This helpline will operate 24×7, and immediate action will be taken on any complaint received.“The ULBs in coordination with the PWD and NHAI, should ensure the removal of stray cattle and other animals from state highways/national highways/express highways passing through city limits, preventing accidents caused by these animals at high speeds and protecting the public,” the notification stated.
