Udupi: The Udupi City Municipal Council (CMC) has issued strict instructions to private and government educational institutions, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands, railway stations and other major establishments to identify, document and report stray dogs present on their premises, in accordance with the latest Supreme Court guidelines on stray dog management. In a notice issued on Monday, the municipal administration directed the heads of all such institutions to conduct immediate inspections of their campuses and provide a detailed count of stray dogs, if any, to the municipal commissioner without delay. The directive forms part of the city’s larger effort to curb stray dog-related issues and ensure compliance with judicial mandates.
Institutions asked to appoint nodal officers
The CMC has instructed establishments to implement measures to prevent stray dog intrusion and nuisance within their boundaries. To streamline communication and action, each institution must appoint a designated nodal officer who will coordinate with the municipality on matters related to stray dog relocation and monitoring. These nodal officers will also be responsible for overseeing preventive measures, ensuring that dogs do not gain access to the premises, and facilitating municipal teams when required.
Supreme Court guidelines and accountability
The council reminded institutions that under Supreme Court guidelines, once stray dogs are relocated from a property, establishments are responsible for ensuring that they do not return. If a failure in prevention results in the dogs re-entering the premises, the cost of re-relocating the animals will be recovered from the concerned institution, the notice emphasised. Further, any violation of the directives — including delayed reporting, failure to appoint nodal officers, or allowing stray dog re-entry — will invite legal action in compliance with court orders, the municipal commissioner warned in the release.
Stray dog concerns prompt tighter enforcement
The Udupi CMC’s latest measures come amidst rising concerns from residents regarding stray dog movement around schools, hospitals and public facilities. With several institutions witnessing increasing stray dog activity, civic authorities have intensified monitoring and enforcement to ensure both public safety and adherence to legal norms. Officials stated that accurate reporting from all establishments will help the municipality deploy animal control teams effectively and ensure systematic relocation in accordance with humane guidelines.
Conclusion
The civic body’s directions mark a significant step in creating an accountable and structured approach to stray dog management in Udupi. With institutions now required to take proactive measures and coordinate closely with the municipality, authorities expect a reduction in stray dog-related incidents and a more disciplined implementation of Supreme Court norms across the city.