Deputy Commissioner Drass, Imteeaz Kacho (JKAS), chaired a meeting at the Conference Hall of the Tourist Dak Bungalow, Drass, on October 9 to discuss the growing stray dog menace across the district and review measures to ensure public safety, control the dog population, strengthen vaccination efforts and establish necessary infrastructure.

The meeting was attended by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Drass; Chief Medical Officer, Drass; Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Drass; District Sheep Husbandry Officer, Drass; Station House Officer (SHO), Drass; Forest Range Officer; Wildlife Forester; Panchayat Inspector; Block Development Officer (BDO), Drass; Nambardars representing various villages; and other concerned officials.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner conducted a department-wise review of the stray dog situation, measures undertaken by the concerned departments, reported dog attacks and additional steps required to address the issue effectively.

The SDM briefed the meeting on administrative coordination and preventive measures. The Chief Medical Officer was directed to review the availability of medical facilities and ensure timely treatment for dog-bite victims.

The Chief Animal Husbandry Officer briefed the meeting on ongoing dog-catching and vaccination activities and highlighted operational requirements. He informed the participants that early morning and evening hours were comparatively more suitable for catching stray dogs. He also explained that controlled food-based methods could help trained teams capture stray dogs more effectively.

The Deputy Commissioner stressed the need to strengthen healthcare facilities in Drass to ensure timely medical assistance and treatment for affected persons. He also emphasised discouraging the feeding of stray dogs in public places, particularly in areas where their congregation could pose risks to residents.

He further called for strengthening dog-catching teams and ensuring that all operations were conducted safely and systematically.
The District Sheep Husbandry Officer was consulted on the impact of stray dogs on livestock and measures required to protect domestic animals. The BDO representative participated in discussions on local-level arrangements, sanitation and infrastructure support, while the Forest Range Officer and Wildlife Forester discussed issues requiring coordination with their respective departments. The SHO also provided feedback on public safety concerns and the coordination needed to address the menace.

The Deputy Commissioner highlighted the need to establish a dog shelter in Drass for the proper management, care and monitoring of captured stray dogs. He said a dedicated shelter would facilitate vaccination, veterinary supervision and systematic management of stray dogs. He directed the concerned officials to prioritise vaccination, strengthen dog-catching operations and improve coordination among departments.

The Deputy Commissioner also interacted with Nambardars from different villages and sought feedback on the stray dog situation in their respective areas. He enquired about reported dog attacks, injuries, livestock losses and other related damages.
He asked the Nambardars to identify vulnerable locations and suggest practical measures to help the administration address the problem more effectively.

He also encouraged the involvement of local volunteers, experienced individuals and expert groups in awareness campaigns and coordinated stray dog management efforts.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned officials to explore additional measures, strengthen interdepartmental coordination and regularly monitor the situation. He urged the public to remain cautious, avoid unsafe interactions with stray dogs and report dog-bite incidents promptly to the nearest health facility.