JAMMU: The three-day awareness and sensitisation programme on humane and scientific management of community dogs continued at KC International School, Jammu, on Friday, with participation from students of various schools across the city.
The programme is being organised by the Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD), Government of Jammu & Kashmir, in collaboration with the School Education Department, PETA India and SAVE NGO, in pursuance of the directions of the Supreme Court of India.
The second-day session focused on rabies prevention, dog-bite safety, anti-rabies vaccination, Animal Birth Control (ABC), sterilisation and the humane treatment of community animals. Through interactive discussions, students were sensitised to safe ways of interacting with community dogs and the importance of avoiding situations that could lead to human-animal conflict.
Meenakshi Narang, Manager–Elementary School, PETA India, conducted the awareness session as a resource person, while Dr Priyanka Malhotra, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon (VAS), Jammu Municipal Corporation, delivered a detailed session on ABC initiatives being implemented in J&K.
She highlighted the role of scientific sterilisation and vaccination in controlling population growth, promoting humane management of community dogs and strengthening rabies prevention efforts.
Students were also sensitised about the immediate steps to be taken following a dog bite or scratch, including seeking prompt medical attention and taking anti-rabies vaccination. The programme further stressed the importance of proper waste management and avoiding practices that could attract community dogs or trigger conflict, thereby contributing to safer public spaces.
More than 800 students participated in the second day of the programme, which organisers said would help strengthen awareness among young citizens and encourage them to become informed and compassionate stakeholders in addressing issues related to community animals.
The three-day programme will conclude on September 12 with further awareness sessions for students and teachers in Jammu.
