Ludhiana
(Gurvinder Sidhu )
In a major step towards strengthening urban public safety and animal welfare, Punjab Government’s Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Industries and Commerce, Mr. Sanjeev Arora on Sunday inaugurated the State’s first-ever ‘Dog Sanctuary’ at the Haibowal Dairy Complex in Ludhiana.
Terming the project a pioneering initiative, Mr. Arora said the sanctuary has been established with the twin objectives of reducing incidents of dog bites in the city and ensuring proper medical care, shelter and humane treatment for stray dogs.
The Cabinet Minister informed that the sanctuary has the capacity to accommodate around 500 dogs and has been launched as a pilot project. “Based on its success, more such dog sanctuaries will be established across Punjab in the coming time,” he said.
Mr. Arora stated that with the inauguration of this facility, a key poll promise made to the residents of Ludhiana has been fulfilled. He emphasised that the Dog Sanctuary will strictly comply with all directions and guidelines issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court from time to time regarding the management and welfare of stray dogs. All prescribed protocols will be followed in letter and spirit.
Arora also thanked Dr Sulbha Jindal a Veterinarian and whole.of Ludhiana admnistration for fully cooperating in fulfilling the promise to people.
Highlighting the urgency of the initiative, the Minister said that stray dog-related matters are presently under consideration of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and the apex court may also impose penalties on states in cases of rising dog bite incidents. “This proactive step will significantly help in reducing dog bite cases while ensuring a compassionate and lawful approach towards animal welfare,” he added.
Mr. Arora appreciated the efforts of social worker Dr. Sulbha Jindal and her team for extending full cooperation to the administration in establishing the sanctuary and making the project a reality through public participation.
Reiterating the State Government’s commitment to people-centric governance, Mr. Arora said that the Punjab Government is continuously undertaking projects aimed at the overall development of the State while simultaneously ensuring public safety, civic well-being and humane governance.
On the occasion, the Cabinet Minister also directed the concerned officials to regularly monitor and further expedite the stray dog sterilisation programme in Ludhiana to ensure a long-term and sustainable solution to the issue.
Mayor Principal Inderjit Kaur, Senior Deputy Mayor Rakesh Prashar, Deputy Mayor Prince Johar, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Himanshu Jain, Municipal Commissioner Mr. Aaditya Dachalwal, Dr. Sulbha Jindal, Councillor Indu Munish Shah and other dignitaries were present during the inauguration ceremony.
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