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Chief Secretary Sets Strict Deadlines for Statewide Safety Drive

Chandigarh:  In a decisive move to curb the growing menace of stray dogs and cattle across Haryana, Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi on Thursday directed all departments, municipal bodies and district administrations to ensure time-bound and strict implementation of the Supreme Court’s orders issued on August 11, August 22 and November 7, 2025. The directions relate to the management of stray animals, particularly along highways and in public institutions, to ensure public safety without compromising animal welfare.

Chairing a high-level review meeting, the Chief Secretary stressed that only coordinated action, rapid compliance and rigorous field monitoring could meet the court-mandated timelines. He asked officers to work with precision, compassion and full accountability, warning that any slackness would be taken seriously.

Mega Shelters, Sterilisation & 24×7 Helplines for Stray Dogs

Municipal bodies and rural local authorities have been instructed to operationalise large-capacity dog shelters equipped with CCTV surveillance, medical facilities, trained manpower and the capacity to house at least 5,000 dogs. Rastogi reiterated that sterilisation, vaccination, tagging and routine veterinary care must strictly adhere to the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.

Each district will now be required to maintain dedicated catching teams and digital record-keeping systems to track sterilisation, vaccination and relocation of animals. Further, 24×7 helplines will be set up in all districts to address complaints related to dog bites, rescue operations and abandonment.

Municipalities were also directed to demarcate dedicated feeding zones in every ward and coordinate with animal welfare organisations to promote safe, hygienic and regulated feeding practices. Public awareness campaigns will be intensified to encourage responsible behaviour towards stray animals.

Zero Tolerance on Cattle on Highways

A major focus of the meeting was the complete removal of stray cattle from National Highways, State Highways and Expressways, following repeated court interventions after fatal accidents. Departments including NHAI, PWD (B&R), Transport, municipal bodies and the Animal Husbandry Department have been instructed to run continuous joint drives to identify vulnerable stretches, safely capture cattle and transport them to registered gaushalas and cattle shelters equipped with food, water and veterinary support.

A statewide operational mechanism is being finalised to clearly define responsibilities for identifying, catching, transporting, treating and housing cattle.

The Chief Secretary ordered deployment of round-the-clock highway patrol teams, linked with police stations and district control rooms. Helpline numbers will be prominently displayed along highways for real-time reporting of stray cattle movement.

Securing Schools, Hospitals, Railway Stations and Sports Grounds

Deputy Commissioners across the state have also been directed to fast-track the identification of vulnerable public institutions such as schools, hospitals, sports complexes, bus stands, depots and railway stations, as required by the Supreme Court. Each of these facilities must be secured with proper fencing, functional gates and necessary structural safeguards.

Commissioner & Secretary, Urban Local Bodies, Vikas Gupta, directed that nodal officers be appointed in every institution. Hospitals have been instructed to maintain adequate stocks of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin, while schools will conduct awareness sessions on animal behaviour and first-aid. Sports stadiums will have dedicated vigilance staff, and railway and transport facilities will strengthen waste-management systems to prevent animal congregation.

Public Safety with Animal Welfare

Senior officials said the government’s approach aims to strike a balance between citizen safety and humane animal management, in line with constitutional duties and Supreme Court guidelines. The Chief Secretary made it clear that the state’s response would now be mission-mode, with district-wise performance under constant review.

With accidents, dog-bite cases and public complaints rising sharply in recent months, the latest directives signal the strongest statewide push yet to tackle Haryana’s stray animal crisis in a structured and court-monitored manner.