Rajouri: Arsalan Ahmed Bhat
In view of the escalating stray dog concerns across Rajouri and Poonch districts, Compassion Animal Welfare Organisation (AWO) Rajouri has taken a firm and unambiguous stand in full support of the District Administration Rajouri for initiating steps to implement the Supreme Court of India’s directives on stray dog management.
Speaking on behalf of the organisation, Sajad Bhat, Sanjay Sharma and romeez khan representing Compassion AWO Rajouri, stated that the recent directions issued by the Deputy Commissioner Rajouri reflect a lawful, humane, and much-needed approach to address both public safety and animal welfare. He stressed that the Supreme Court has already laid down clear guidelines, leaving no scope for misinterpretation, selective compliance, or defiance.
“Compassion AWO Rajouri fully supports the District Administration and urges that the Supreme Court directives be implemented in letter and spirit. Any delay, dilution, or distortion of these directions will only worsen the situation and harm both humans and animals,” Sanjay Sharma said.
The organisation highlighted that the Supreme Court mandates scientific and humane management of stray dogs, including vaccination, sterilisation, and removal of dogs from sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, crowded markets, and residential zones, while strictly prohibiting cruelty or illegal killing of animals.
Compassion AWO Rajouri expressed serious concern over reports from this district, where certain sections including some employees from education department have allegedly criticised administrative directives, spread confusion, and projected a wrong impression of official orders, particularly those related to educational institutions. The organisation termed such actions as irresponsible and detrimental, stating that they undermine lawful governance and create unnecessary panic among the public.
“Employees or individuals who openly criticise, misrepresent, or defy lawful administrative orders are not only harming public confidence but are also damaging the animal welfare cause itself. Compassion AWO demands that the administration act with iron hands against anyone official or otherwise who makes a contempt of court orders or indulges in misinformation,” the statement read.
The organisation further emphasised that animal rights and human safety are not conflicting issues, and that the Supreme Court’s framework provides a balanced, humane, and legally binding solution. Parents’ concerns over the safety of children, particularly near schools, must be addressed through lawful removal, monitoring, and scientific control, not through emotional outrage or illegal actions.
In recent months, both Rajouri and Poonch have witnessed increased public anxiety over stray dog incidents, especially in school zones and public spaces. Compassion AWO Rajouri noted that such concerns are legitimate and must be resolved through inter-departmental coordination involving the municipal bodies, education department, animal husbandry department, and local administration.
Commending the proactive role of the DC Rajouri and the district administration, Sajad Bhat reiterated that Compassion AWO Rajouri stands firmly with the authorities in ensuring strict enforcement of Supreme Court directives, accountability at all levels, and protection of animal rights through lawful means.
“The rule of law must prevail. Compassion AWO Rajouri will continue to support every genuine effort by the administration to restore public confidence, ensure student safety, and uphold compassion and dignity for animals,” the organisation concluded.
Author: therajouritimes
Lakkar Mandi Janipur Jammu
