PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Jyotirmath
After four persons were reportedly bitten by stray dogs, the Chamoli district administration declared a holiday in 10 schools from August 20 to 23 in Narayanbagad and Nalgaon areas of the district. The break was reduced to two days as the Forest department, district administration and local authorities began capturing and vaccinating stray dogs on Thursday. As per the order, teachers had been directed to conduct online classes during the holidays.
At least 12 schools were ordered to be closed in the Narayanbagad area by the district administration. The district administration directed action after receiving reports over the last two days of people being bitten by stray and suspected aggressive dogs in Narayanbagad. Prioritising public and livestock safety, and on the instructions of Chamoli district magistrate Gaurav Kumar, joint teams of Animal Husbandry, Revenue, Forest, Police, District Panchayat and district disaster response force began carrying out a rescue, vaccination and surveillance drive in the area.
Under the campaign, suspected and aggressive dogs roaming in Narayanbagad market and nearby areas are being rescued. A specialist dog catcher team is also present on the spot. So far, more than 20 stray dogs have been given ARV vaccination in the area. Teams of the Animal Husbandry department are going door-to-door in affected and surrounding areas to vaccinate potentially affected animals. To protect livestock, cows are also being given ARV vaccines. The teams are also informing cattle owners about necessary precautions and monitoring of animals.
Chief veterinary officer Dr Devendra Singh Bisht said that two vaccination and relief camps are being run by the Animal Husbandry department in Narayanbagad and surrounding areas. Along with the camps, department teams are visiting homes to identify potentially affected animals, provide vaccination and necessary medical assistance.
Surveillance has been increased in the market area and nearby localities due to the possibility of other dogs being infected or aggressive. Tehsil administration, DDRF and police teams are deployed in the area and are providing necessary assistance while maintaining continuous monitoring.
The administration has appealed to the public not to go near dogs showing suspicious or aggressive behavior and to keep children away from such dogs. Any information about a suspicious dog or a dog bite incident should be immediately reported to the local administration, police or the concerned department.
