The Punjab State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (PSCPCR) has taken serious note of the rising incidents of dog attacks on children. The commission has directed the local government and rural development departments to conduct a census ofstray dogsin all cities and undertake sterilisation efforts.

They expressed their deep concern over these incidents and took Suo-motu notice of the matter. According to Kanwardeep Singh, the Chairman of the children protection body, the reports of stray dog attacks on children have been brought to the commission’s attention through media sources.

These similar reports of dog attacks on children have also been reported across various regions of Punjab, including Mohali, Zirakpur, Amritsar, Machhiwara Sahib, and Nabha. These incidents have understandably caused significant public concern.

In response, the chairman has called for immediate sterilization efforts to prevent further incidents.

He has also written to the Administrative Secretaries of the Punjab Local Government Department and the Rural Development & Panchayat Department, urging them to enforce the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. These rules were notified by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, on March 10, 2023.

About Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023

Further, theABCrule also mandate that stray dogs must be caught, sterilized, vaccinated, and then released back into their original locations. This approach aims to control the stray dog population humanely and effectively. Under this program, it is the responsibility of local bodies, municipalities, municipal corporations, and panchayats to work in coordination with recognized animal welfare organizations.

What Kanwardeep Singh Says?

Kanwardeep Singh stressed that timely implementation of these rules is crucial to controlling the stray dog population and preventing more attacks on children.

Additionally, this move has come in the wake of a tragic incident claimed the lives of two children due to stray dog attacks. The incident took place in Hasanpur Village of Mullanpur Dakha in Ludhiana district this week.

About Punjab State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (PSCPCR)

The Punjab State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (PSCPCR) was established in April 2011 under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005. This statutory body operates under the administrative control of the Department of Women & Child Development, Government of Punjab. It Ensures that all laws, policies, programs, and administrative mechanisms align with the child rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Programme also inquires into crimes against children, such as kidnapping, murder, rape, and child labor. It also takes suo moto cognizance of cases reported in the media and recommends appropriate remedial measures.