Bihar Government Launches ‘Dog Pounds’ Initiative to Shelter Stray Dogs and Enhance Rural Safety

The Nitish Kumar government in Bihar has announced a new plan to tackle the issue of stray dogs in the state. They will create special shelters called ‘Dog Pounds’ in rural areas to help manage the growing number of abandoned dogs. This decision was shared in a letter from the Secretary of the Panchayati Raj Department, Manoj Kumar, who asked local officials to find suitable land for these facilities.

These Dog Pounds will be built based on designs prepared by the District Animal Husbandry Officer. The government aims to ensure that these centers will only take in stray dogs captured from rural areas, which will help keep communities safe from any dog-related incidents. This initiative will also help improve the living conditions for these animals.

To fund the construction and running of these shelters, the Bihar government will use money from the Sixth State Finance Commission’s general fund. A new administrative structure is being set up, where officials at various levels will oversee the operations of the Dog Pounds. This includes a District Panchayat Raj Officer, Block Panchayat Raj Officer, and a Panchayat Secretary at the local level.

The government is also encouraging the public to play a role in reducing the stray dog population. They plan to hold discussions in local meetings to spread awareness. People are being asked not to throw leftover food in public spaces, as this attracts more stray dogs. Efforts are being made to manage waste better and keep public areas clean.

Moving forward, the government will work on establishing these Dog Pounds as quickly as possible. They aim to not only care for the stray dogs but also to create a safer environment for people living in rural areas. This initiative is a significant step in addressing the stray dog problem effectively.