Sun Oct 05 07:10:23 UTC 2025: ## Puducherry Balances Public Safety and Animal Welfare in Stray Dog Management
**Puducherry, October 5, 2025** – Following a Supreme Court directive requiring vaccination and release of stray dogs, the Puducherry Department of Animal Husbandry has issued an advisory urging communities to adopt a balanced approach to stray dog management, prioritizing both public safety and animal welfare.
The Department stipulates that non-aggressive, non-rabid dogs are to be returned to their original locations after treatment. However, dogs suspected of rabies must be kept under observation in local kennels.
Key to the new approach is the establishment of designated feeding zones by municipal authorities. Feeding outside these zones is strictly prohibited, and residents are required to comply. The Department emphasizes the importance of responsible pet ownership, encouraging adoption of sterilized and vaccinated dogs, but ensuring that adopted animals do not return to the streets. Officials also stress the need for adequate dog shelters equipped for sterilization, deworming, and immunization.
A dedicated helpline will be established for reporting violations. The advisory urges community members to remain informed about legal frameworks and cooperate with local authorities.
“While addressing public safety concerns, it’s crucial to treat stray dogs with compassion and dignity, recognizing their intrinsic value,” stated a senior official from the Animal Husbandry Department. The Union Territory of Puducherry Animal Welfare Board and the Puducherry District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will oversee the humane treatment of community dogs.
The move aims to address the complex issue of stray dog populations in a manner that is both responsible and compassionate, aligning with the Supreme Court’s recent directive and promoting a safer, healthier environment for both residents and animals in Puducherry.
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