Kolkata, Oct. 14 -- Jadavpur University (JU) has authorised security personnel to prevent stray and abandoned dogs from entering its campuses following multiple dog-bite incidents. Feeding animals has also been restricted to five designated zones.
The measures will take immediate effect across the Main Campus, NIT and Salt Lake Campus, according to an official circular. Security personnel have been directed to regulate the opening and closing of gates to prevent dogs from entering the premises.
Only authorised faculty members, officers, staff, residents and students can feed stray dogs and other animals on campus. They must submit a written undertaking accepting responsibility for ensuring that feeding activities do not compromise the safety of others. The university has warned that appropriate action may be taken under applicable laws and regulations if such activities result in a dog-bite incident or related casualty.
Feeding animals near gates, academic buildings, administrative offices, hostels, residential quarters, canteens, playgrounds, parking areas and other high-traffic locations is prohibited. Feeding on adjoining roads, footpaths and other public thoroughfares is also barred. The circular further prohibits leaving food waste at feeding locations, obstructing pedestrian or vehicular movement while feeding animals, and encouraging dogs to congregate in non-designated areas.
Feeding animals in ways that cause nuisance, hygiene concerns, inconvenience or safety hazards is also prohibited. Bringing animals from outside the campus for feeding, sheltering, rehabilitation or release within university premises is not permitted.
The five designated feeding zones will remain in use until dog shelters become functional. Authorised feeders must keep these areas clean and remove food waste and other litter immediately after feeding. Residential quarters cannot be used as kennels or animal shelters, although the university has encouraged stakeholders to adopt puppies and raise them as pets.
Any dog-bite incident or animal-related emergency must be reported immediately to designated university ambulance personnel, the Estate Section, the junior assistant registrar, the head of security or members of the university's Animal Welfare Committee.
The university cited Supreme Court directions on stray dogs and a communication from the University Grants Commission while issuing the interim measures. These measures will remain in force pending implementation of the relevant judicial directions.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.