The Punjab government on Monday ordered the formation of stray animal control task forces across the state and launched a special campaign against stray dogs in crowded and sensitive public places in compliance with Supreme Court directions.

The government has declared all schools, colleges, hospitals, bus stands, railway stations, religious places, parks and sports complexes as “no-release zones.” Under the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, stray dogs captured from these areas will not be released back there after sterilization.

A senior government official said strict action would be taken against officers failing to comply with the directions and that personal accountability would be fixed.

In a circular issued by the Local Government Department, all municipal corporations, municipal councils and nagar panchayats were instructed to ensure public safety, particularly that of children, by implementing the Supreme Court’s orders in a time-bound manner.

The apex court, in its May 19 order and earlier rulings delivered in 2025, had said local administrations are duty-bound under Article 21 of the Constitution — the right to life — to protect citizens from the menace of stray dogs.

The government also directed the Public Works Department, Transport Department, National Highways Authority of India and the police to identify stray animal movement points along highways, deploy round-the-clock patrolling teams and install emergency helpline signboards.

All local bodies have been asked to submit an initial report within 15 days and monthly progress reports thereafter, detailing the number of dogs captured, sterilized and vaccinated, incidents of dog bites and the status of shelter homes. Geo-tagging of dogs will also be carried out.

The government has laid down strict deadlines for implementation of the campaign.

Within seven days, authorities must complete mapping and surveys of sensitive areas to identify dog populations, feeding hotspots and vaccination status.

Within 10 days, complaint helplines, control rooms and rapid response teams are to be established in all urban areas under the supervision of nodal officers.

Within 15 days, land must be identified for dog shelter homes and public awareness campaigns on dog-bite prevention and rabies must be launched.

Within 21 days, all stray dogs are to be removed from sensitive zones such as schools and hospitals and shifted to designated shelters in accordance with the rules.