GBA orders institutions to report stray dog presence, submit action plan as per SC directive

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has issued notices across its five corporations directing government and private institutions to furnish detailed information on stray dogs present on their premises, in line with a recent Supreme Court order.

The directive follows the Supreme Court’s instructions, which require municipal bodies to identify stray dogs on institutional premises, relocate them safely to shelters, and submit an affidavit of compliance within eight weeks.

As per the order, all schools, colleges, universities, coaching centres, hospitals, health centres, sports complexes, bus stands, depots, inter-State bus terminals, and railway stations have been asked to provide the number of stray dogs currently on their premises and measures taken to prevent re-entry of stray dogs into the institution.

“These institutions should appointment a nodal officer who will be responsible for waste management, maintaining cleanliness, preventing dog re-entry, and coordinating with the municipal corporation. The officer’s name and contact number must also be displayed on the premises,” the GBA said, further noting on the deployment of security personnel round the clock in sports complexes and stadiums to prevent stray dog entry.

The GBA said that the Animal Husbandry Department would also identify designated feeding spots for stray dogs in the GBA limits. Feeding at any location outside these approved sites would be considered a violation of the Supreme Court order, and disciplinary action may follow.

The public have been encouraged to adopt stray dogs in line with the Animal Welfare Board of India guidelines and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules. Citizens can also report illegal feeding, dog-bite incidents, or instances of stray dog abuse through helpline- 1533 or rabies helpline: 63648 93322.

The animal welfare organisations interested in managing and feeding stray dogs in recognised dog shelters will be invited to participate, with support from municipal bodies.

The GBA noted that identification of feeding zones has already begun in the East Corporation, with a target of marking at least 150 designated sites.