Dasuya/Hoshiarpur/Daljeet Ajnoha/July 8 :
Special Report
In Krishna Colony of Dasuya, the increasing presence and aggression of stray dogs has become a serious concern for residents, especially children. Fear and anxiety have grown to the point where children are hesitant to step outside their homes for school or play, fearing attacks by these street dogs.
Ironically, the problem has been compounded by a few self-proclaimed animal lovers who feed these stray dogs right outside their homes, claiming it is for their own security. As a result, these dogs now permanently occupy residential lanes, bark at passersby, and sometimes chase them — causing panic among children, women, and the elderly.
Attempts by local residents to request that feeding not be done in public areas often result in heated arguments. Some dog feeders behave aggressively and refuse to cooperate, escalating the tension in the community.
Senior journalist and social activist Sanjiv Kumar has taken strong notice of the issue and demanded immediate intervention from the Dasuya Municipal Committee. “While compassion for animals is important, public safety — especially of innocent children — must come first,” he stated. He urged the authorities to launch a mass sterilization and relocation drive, and to implement rules for responsible feeding in designated spaces.
Responding to the matter, Executive Officer (EO) of Dasuya, Kanwaljinder Singh, confirmed that the Municipal Committee has already passed a resolution to sterilize stray dogs and has signed an agreement with a Hoshiarpur-based organization to carry out the task.
The EO further appealed to dog lovers to refrain from feeding animals on public streets. Instead, he encouraged them to build proper shelters (dog houses) within their own homes or premises if they truly care for the animals’ well-being and community safety. – EO Dasuya, Kanwaljinder Singh.
In a significant legal development, that as per recent court orders, if a person is bitten by a stray dog, the Municipal Committee is liable to pay compensation of ₹10,000 per bite to the affected individual.
This issue goes beyond animal care — it is now a matter of public health and safety. With the lives of school-going children at risk, citizens and officials alike must act responsibly, and the administration must respond promptly and effectively.
