Jammu, Nov 19: The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has been found poorly equipped to implement the recent directions of the Supreme Court regarding the management of stray dogs, with only two operational shelter homes available in the city. The limited infrastructure has raised concerns over the Corporation’s ability to comply with the apex court’s mandate on humane handling and rehabilitation of stray animals.
Officials acknowledged that the existing shelters are already overburdened, leaving little scope to accommodate the rising number of stray dogs across various wards. The Supreme Court had recently directed municipal bodies nationwide to strengthen facilities and adopt effective measures to ensure public safety while safeguarding animal welfare.
Sources within the JMC indicated that the Corporation is exploring options to expand shelter capacity and improve veterinary care facilities. However, financial constraints and shortage of land have slowed down progress, making immediate compliance with the court’s directions a challenge.
Animal welfare activists have expressed concern over the situation, stressing that inadequate infrastructure could lead to violations of the Supreme Court’s guidelines. They urged the administration to prioritize the establishment of additional shelters and to adopt scientific methods for population control, including sterilization and vaccination drives.
Officials assured that steps are being taken to address the shortcomings. The JMC reiterated its commitment to align with the Supreme Court’s directives and emphasized that long-term planning and resource mobilization will be crucial to effectively manage the stray dog issue in Jammu.
