Gurpreet Singh :- In a fresh initiative aimed at addressing concerns related to stray dogs while ensuring animal welfare, the Punjab Government has directed all municipal corporations and municipal councils to constitute dedicated “Stray Animal Control Task Forces” within the next three days.
The move follows recent directions issued by the Supreme Court regarding the management of stray animal-related issues in urban areas. Officials said the proposed task forces would work towards maintaining public safety alongside ensuring proper care and rehabilitation of stray animals.
As part of the new framework, the government has identified schools, colleges, hospitals, bus stands, railway stations, parks and religious places as “No-Release Zones”. Authorities stated that stray dogs picked up from such high-footfall areas would not be released back into the same locations after sterilisation. Instead, they may be shifted to designated shelters or suitable rehabilitation facilities.
The government has also instructed local bodies to establish district-level control rooms and rapid response teams for handling complaints and emergency situations. A dedicated helpline is expected to be launched to assist residents and streamline coordination between civic authorities and animal welfare teams.
Officials said surveys of sensitive areas across the state would be completed within seven days to assess ground conditions and identify priority zones requiring immediate intervention. Increased monitoring has also been planned along highways and crowded public areas.
In view of the rising number of dog-bite cases reported in the state, the government is preparing to expand sterilisation infrastructure by setting up additional centres and shelter homes in various districts. Authorities maintained that the initiative is intended to create a balanced and safer environment for both residents and stray animals through organised management and humane care measures.
