Municipal Corporation accelerates comprehensive animal management program with focus on public safety and animal welfare
Jalandhar — The Municipal Corporation of Jalandhar has significantly accelerated its stray animal management initiatives, successfully sterilizing 1,017 stray dogs and relocating over 70 cattle in recent months as part of a comprehensive animal control campaign.
During a meeting of the Special Protection Group (SPCA) at the District Administrative Complex, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal outlined the progress and future roadmap for the city’s animal management efforts, emphasizing the dual benefits of the program for both human and animal welfare.
Stray Dog Management Makes Significant Progress
The Animal Birth Control (ABC) program, which has already completed operations in Wards 10 and 11, has demonstrated remarkable success with the sterilization of over 1,000 stray dogs. The initiative serves as a humane approach to controlling the stray dog population while simultaneously reducing health and safety risks for residents.
“This is an important step for the safety of both humans and animals in the city,” Dr. Aggarwal stated during the meeting.
The program has now expanded to Wards 8 and 9, with plans for gradual rollout across all municipal wards. This phased approach ensures systematic coverage while maintaining quality standards for animal care and sterilization procedures.
Stray Cattle Relocation Reduces Road Hazards
Running parallel to the dog management program, the administration has successfully relocated more than 70 stray cattle to designated cow shelters over the past two months. This initiative addresses a critical public safety concern, particularly during foggy weather when visibility is compromised and the risk of road accidents increases significantly.
“The removal of stray cattle from our roads is essential for ensuring safe passage for commuters and reducing traffic hazards,” the Deputy Commissioner emphasized.
Infrastructure Development Underway
To accommodate the growing number of relocated cattle, the administration has initiated two major infrastructure projects. A new cow shelter is under construction in Kartarpur, while the existing facility at Kanian Kalan is being expanded to increase capacity.
Dr. Aggarwal directed municipal officials to ensure timely completion of these projects to support the ongoing cattle relocation efforts.
Financial Accountability and Inter-Departmental Cooperation
Recognizing the financial requirements for maintaining shelter facilities, the Deputy Commissioner issued directives to the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), oil companies, and the Excise Department to ensure timely payment of cow cess—a dedicated fund for cow shelter maintenance.
This coordinated approach ensures sustainable operations and prevents financial constraints from compromising animal care standards.
Community Engagement Critical to Success
The administration has appealed to dairy farmers and the broader community to play an active role in the initiative. Dr. Aggarwal urged dairy farmers to become life members of the SPCA and voluntarily hand over stray cattle to government cow shelters rather than abandoning them on streets.
“By cooperating with the administration, dairy farmers contribute to both the safety and cleanliness of our city,” Dr. Aggarwal stated.
Comprehensive Vision for Urban Animal Management
The campaign represents a holistic approach to urban animal management that prioritizes humane treatment, public safety, and infrastructure development. By combining sterilization programs, strategic relocation, and community participation, Jalandhar is setting a model for other municipalities grappling with similar stray animal challenges.
As the program continues to expand, officials remain committed to achieving city-wide coverage while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and public safety.
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