Puttur: A dedicated dog shelter will be constructed in Puttur to address public concerns over the growing stray dog menace and ensure proper care and protection of stray dogs, Puttur MLA Ashok Rai said.
Rai said complaints regarding the increasing nuisance caused by stray dogs in the city had been received from residents. He said the proposed facility is intended to address concerns relating to public safety while also providing appropriate care and management of stray dogs.
Shelter planned with public safety in mind
According to Ashok Rai, residents frequently raise concerns when incidents involving stray dogs occur and often hold the dogs, elected representatives and civic officials responsible.
“Keeping both public safety and the safety of stray dogs in mind, we have planned to construct a dog shelter in Puttur,” he said.
The proposal is aimed at creating a dedicated facility where stray dogs can be housed and cared for in an organised manner. The initiative is also expected to provide a structured approach to managing complaints related to stray dogs in Puttur.
Rai said the project was being planned with the twin objectives of protecting residents and ensuring that stray dogs are treated appropriately.
2.5 acres identified for project
The MLA said 2.5 acres of land had already been notified for the proposed shelter.
However, the site identified for the project faced opposition from residents living in the surrounding area. Local residents reportedly expressed concerns that bringing hundreds of stray dogs to the proposed facility could create disturbances for people living nearby.
One of the major concerns raised by residents was the possibility of noise and other disturbances, particularly during the night.
Following the objections, the administration has decided not to construct the shelter at the initially identified location.
“In view of the public opposition, the shelter will not be constructed at the identified location,” Rai said.
Alternative sites being explored
Rai said the authorities are now examining two to three alternative locations for the proposed facility.
He said preference would be given to a location near a forest area, subject to the necessary considerations and approvals. The site will be finalised after obtaining the views of residents in the surrounding areas.
The decision to seek an alternative location comes amid the need to balance the concerns of residents with the requirement for a dedicated facility to manage stray dogs.
Rai said local opinion would be taken into consideration before the final site is selected.
Puttur envisioned as model facility
The MLA said the larger objective was to establish a dedicated dog shelter in Puttur and develop it as a model facility for the care and management of stray dogs.
“Our aim is to establish Karnataka’s first dedicated dog shelter in Puttur and develop it as a model facility for the care and management of stray dogs,” Ashok Rai said.
The proposed facility is expected to provide an organised mechanism for handling stray dogs while addressing concerns raised by residents about their presence in residential and public areas.
The initiative comes at a time when stray dog-related complaints have become an issue in several urban areas, with civic authorities facing the challenge of balancing public safety, animal welfare and residents’ concerns.
Site to be finalised after consultations
With the original location ruled out following public objections, the next step will be to identify a suitable alternative site.
The proposed locations will be assessed before a final decision is taken, and the opinions of residents living near the selected site will be sought, Rai said.
The move is intended to avoid conflicts with local communities while ensuring that the proposed shelter has sufficient space and an appropriate setting to function effectively.
Once the location is finalised, further steps towards establishing the facility can be taken.
The Puttur MLA said the proposed shelter would seek to provide a long-term and organised approach to stray dog management, while keeping the safety and concerns of residents as well as the welfare of the animals in consideration.