The Punjab State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has raised serious concerns regarding the increasing incidents of stray dog attacks on children across the state. In response to the rising cases, including the tragic deaths of two children in Hasanpur village near Ludhiana, the commission has directed the Local Government and Rural Development Departments to conduct a comprehensive census of stray dogs in all cities.
Commission’s Action and Concern
Chairman Kanwardeep Singh took suo-motu notice of the issue after reports from the media highlighted alarming incidents, not just in Hasanpur, but also in Mohali, Zirakpur, Amritsar, Machhiwara Sahib, and Nabha, which have sparked widespread public concern. The commission has expressed deep concern over the safety of children, urging immediate steps to address the issue.
Call for Immediate Measures
Singh emphasized the importance of implementing sterilization programs to control the population of stray dogs, which could help mitigate further attacks. He has written to the Administrative Secretaries of both the Punjab Local Government Department and the Rural Development & Panchayat Department, urging them to enforce the provisions of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, as notified by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying. These rules are aimed at reducing the stray dog population and controlling the spread of attacks.
Impact of the Attack Incidents
The tragic deaths of the two children in Hasanpur village serve as a stark reminder of the threat posed by uncontrolled stray dog populations. Singh called for urgent measures to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of children in urban and rural areas alike.
By implementing the Animal Birth Control measures, the commission hopes to see a significant reduction in stray dog populations and a safer environment for the public, particularly vulnerable children.