Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
District Magistrate (DM) of Udham Singh Nagar, Nitin Singh Bhadauriya has directed all Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and relevant authorities in the district to safeguard the rights of stray dog feeders while implementing the Animal Birth Control and Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ABC-ARV) Program in the district. His directive follows guidelines from the Supreme Court and the High Court of New Delhi regarding the treatment of dog feeders and stray dogs.
The Supreme Court, in its order dated November 18, 2015, in Special Leave Petition No. 691/2009 (AWBI vs People for Elimination of Stray Troubles), emphasized humane treatment of stray dogs and their caretakers. Similarly, the High Court of New Delhi, in its order dated June 24, 2021, in IA No. 4164/2021 (Dr. Maya D. Chablani vs Radha Mittal), stated that dog feeders should not face unnecessary harassment. The court instructed municipal bodies to designate feeding sites, specify feeding timings, and install display boards for clarity and order.
“Marking feeding sites and times will help ensure harmony between residents and animal lovers,” said Bhadauriya. He urged Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and animal feeders to cooperate with the administration to maintain coexistence with stray dogs. “The administration is committed to enforcing court orders and AWBI guidelines while addressing public safety concerns,” he added.
The ABC-ARV Program, launched in Rudrapur and soon to begin in Kashipur, is a parallel effort to control the stray dog population and prevent rabies. Under this program, stray dogs will be sterilized and vaccinated. Bhadauriya emphasized the need for humane handling during the drive and called on dog feeders to assist in the process. So far, over 2500 stray dogs have been sterilised by Rudrapur centre.
An inter-departmental coordination committee has been formed to oversee these efforts, ensuring strict adherence to court directives. “Community cooperation is crucial for the program’s success. The initiative aims to create a balanced approach, respecting the rights of dog feeders while addressing stray dog-related issues in the district.” Bhadauriya further said.
