Teachers in Poonch asked to monitor stray dog incidents

Teachers in government and private schools across Poonch district have been assigned an additional responsibility: monitoring and reporting incidents related to stray dogs in and around school premises.

According to an order issued by the office of the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Poonch, all schools in the district—government and private—must nominate a nodal officer to handle stray dog–related issues.

The directive has triggered resentment among teachers, who argue that monitoring stray dogs falls outside their professional duties and adds to an already heavy workload.

The decision follows a meeting chaired by the Deputy Commissioner of Poonch on December 3 to address concerns related to stray dogs and animal birth control.

“All Drawing and Disbursing Officers and heads of institutions of government and private schools are hereby directed to nominate one nodal officer in their respective schools/offices for timely monitoring and coordination regarding issues related to stray dogs in and around the premises,” the order states.

The nodal officer will be responsible for reporting dog sightings and incidents, coordinating with Municipal, Animal Husbandry and local bodies for necessary action, and ensuring safety and awareness among staff and students.

Schools have been instructed to display the name, designation and contact details of the nodal officer prominently on the boundary wall or main gate for public information. Heads of institutions must submit the nodal officer’s details to the CEO’s office within two days.

Meanwhile, the J&K Housing and Urban Development Department has directed all urban local bodies to map hospitals, schools, stadiums and other institutions within two weeks to ensure they are protected from stray dog entry.

A circular issued by the department states: “All urban local bodies, in coordination with the district magistrates concerned, shall, within two weeks, complete identification of all government and private institutions falling within their territorial limits.”

The circular further mandates that institutions must immediately secure their premises by erecting or repairing boundary walls, installing gates and implementing other structural measures to prevent dog ingress. Departments have been asked to submit budget estimates by December 15, while district magistrates will monitor progress fortnightly.

Urban local bodies have also been instructed to remove stray dogs humanely and in accordance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules and other animal welfare laws.