StrayAnimals – Punjab Plans Restricted Zones to Tackle Rising Animal Menace
StrayAnimals – The Punjab government is preparing to introduce designated restricted areas across the state where stray dogs and cattle will not be allowed, following recent directions issued by the Supreme Court. The proposed initiative signals a major policy transition as authorities shift focus toward structured control measures and public safety mechanisms.
Government Begins Mapping Sensitive Areas
Officials from the Local Government Department have started identifying locations considered highly vulnerable to stray animal movement. According to sources within the administration, these restricted zones are likely to include highways and public spaces where large crowds gather regularly.
Areas being considered for stricter enforcement include schools, colleges, hospitals, public parks, sports venues, religious sites, bus terminals, railway stations, and airports. Authorities believe limiting animal movement in such locations could reduce accidents, improve sanitation, and strengthen public safety.
Monitoring Teams to Oversee Enforcement
Before the restricted zones are formally notified, the government plans to complete a detailed mapping exercise to identify risk-prone spots. Separate nodal officers from relevant departments will then be assigned responsibility for supervision and implementation.
These officers are expected to ensure that stray animals do not enter restricted locations. Measures such as repairing boundary walls, strengthening fencing systems, securing entry gates, and improving waste disposal systems are expected to be implemented within the next two months.
Officials say scientific waste management will play a central role in the strategy, as open garbage remains one of the primary reasons stray animals gather near populated areas.
Detailed Statewide Action Plan Expected Soon
The Local Government Department is likely to circulate official instructions shortly to Deputy Commissioners, Municipal Corporations, and Panchayats across Punjab. The move is part of a broader state-level strategy aimed at controlling the growing stray animal problem in both urban and rural regions.
Senior officials indicated that highways will receive immediate attention during the first phase of implementation. Several government agencies, including the Transport Department, Public Works Department, National Highways authorities, and Punjab Police, are expected to coordinate efforts to remove stray cattle and dogs from major roads.
Authorities are also planning to install signboards carrying emergency contact numbers so that residents can quickly report the presence of stray animals in sensitive locations.
Rising Dog Bite Cases Raise Concerns
The government’s decision comes amid increasing concern over the sharp rise in dog bite incidents reported across Punjab. Official records show that more than 3.34 lakh dog bite cases were registered in the state last year.
The situation has continued to worsen this year. During the first four months alone, over 1.37 lakh cases have already been reported, averaging more than 1,100 incidents every day. Health officials and civic authorities have expressed concern over the growing pressure on hospitals and public healthcare systems due to these incidents.
The issue has also triggered wider debate over long-term solutions for stray animal control while ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations.
Expansion of Animal Birth Control Infrastructure
As part of the new strategy, the Punjab government is planning to establish Animal Birth Control centers in all 23 districts. At present, only 18 such centers are operational across the state, carrying out sterilization procedures for nearly 3,500 dogs every month.
Authorities also intend to build additional dog pounds for the safe housing and care of stray animals. Officials said the facilities will function in accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and existing Animal Birth Control Rules.
Currently, Punjab has only one operational dog pound located in Ludhiana’s Haibowal area, with a capacity of nearly 500 dogs. Officials consider the present infrastructure insufficient for handling stray animal management across the state’s 166 urban local bodies.