Hyderabad: The Telangana State Animal Welfare Board on Monday reviewed a statewide stray dog management strategy focused on public safety, dog-bite prevention and humane animal welfare measures. Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Vakiti Srihari chaired the inaugural meeting of the Second Telangana State Animal Welfare Board at the Secretariat.
The meeting followed Supreme Court directions and examined ways to strengthen coordination among departments handling stray dogs, public safety and animal welfare. Srihari said child safety, public health and road safety had to remain priorities alongside lawful and humane treatment of animals.
He called for close coordination among the Animal Husbandry, Municipal Administration, Panchayat Raj, Health, Education and Police departments. In addition, he sought cooperation from local bodies and recognised animal welfare organisations.
Stray dog management review covered ABC Rules
The board examined implementation of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, as part of the stray dog management review. It also discussed measures to improve veterinary services across Telangana.
Moreover, members considered stronger emergency veterinary care, rescue operations and shelter infrastructure. The discussions included ways to improve Animal Birth Control facilities and strengthen their functioning.
At the same time, the board examined measures for securing institutional premises and managing dogs considered high-risk. Members also reviewed mechanisms for handling public complaints more efficiently.
The board discussed these measures in line with directions issued by the Supreme Court. Srihari stressed that departments needed to work together rather than address stray-dog issues separately.
Accordingly, the meeting focused on creating coordinated action across government agencies, local authorities and animal welfare organisations. Srihari said the government’s approach to stray dog management would combine public protection with humane animal welfare practices.
He reiterated the State’s commitment to reducing dog-bite incidents and protecting vulnerable citizens. However, he also stressed that officials had to follow legal requirements while dealing with animals.
The Minister said accountability and compassion had to guide the implementation of animal welfare measures. Meanwhile, the board considered how stronger veterinary facilities and rescue services could support both public safety and animal welfare.
It also reviewed shelter capacity as part of efforts to improve the State’s response to stray-dog issues. The meeting placed particular emphasis on coordination because several departments had responsibilities connected with the issue.
Therefore, the board sought a common approach involving municipal bodies, panchayat institutions, health authorities, schools, police and veterinary agencies. Srihari said child safety and public health remained central concerns as the government worked to curb dog-bite incidents.
He also highlighted road safety while calling for measures that complied with animal welfare laws. The board’s inaugural meeting consequently focused on strengthening implementation, improving infrastructure and making grievance responses more effective.