Jammu, Dec 11 (NationPress) The Housing and Urban Development Department of Jammu and Kashmir has instructed all urban local bodies to identify schools, hospitals, stadiums, and transportation hubs within a fortnight and take action to prevent stray dogs from entering these locations.

A circular issued mandates regular inspections every three months and the humane ABC-based removal of stray dogs from these crucial areas, along with a report on compliance due in 30 days.

The Commissioner-Secretary of the Department has emphasized that all ULBs in the Union Territory must promptly adhere to the measures outlined by the Supreme Court for the effective management of stray dogs in institutional zones.

This directive requires a comprehensive two-week effort to identify all government and private institutions, including schools, colleges, hospitals, stadiums, bus stations, ISBTs, and railway terminals.

All Urban Local Bodies are instructed to categorize areas deemed high-risk, particularly those frequented by children.

“All urban local bodies, in collaboration with the respective district magistrates, shall finalize the identification of all government and private institutions within their jurisdiction within a two-week timeframe following this circular,” the document stated.

Dog bites have emerged as a pressing issue in the Kashmir Valley, with medical professionals at the SMHS hospital in Srinagar reporting over 240 dog bite cases treated this year alone.

The situation is similarly concerning in other cities and towns across the Valley, where children and the elderly frequently fall victim to stray dogs.

Additionally, a growing trend among locals to adopt cats has led to increased incidents of cat bites, which require urgent medical attention to prevent rabies.

Healthcare providers have been consistently urging pet owners to vaccinate their dogs against rabies to prevent these domestic animals from becoming carriers of this deadly disease.