Jammu University to form animal welfare club after stray dog deaths
The death of stray dogs, allegedly due to poisoning, on the Jammu University campus a few days ago and resentment expressed by a section of faculty members, has prompted the university authorities to constitute an Animals Welfare Club.
Sources claim that the matter became so intense that it reached Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai. Thus, the varsity decided to form a club so that such incidents do not take place in future and the animals on the campus may be managed in a proper manner.
The university has also drafted guidelines for the constitution of a committee for the purpose. The varsity has invited suggestions and feedback regarding the club.
The issue of death of at least four dogs turned into a major controversy when a section of faculty members demanded a probe into the incident. The university through official channel approached the police, who got carcass samples lifted and sent it to the FSL, Jammu, for verification, if the dogs were poisoned.
Sub-Inspector, Ajesh Jamwal, in-charge of the Nehru Market police post, informed The Tribune that the report of samples was awaited. In case it is found that the dogs were poisoned, an FIR would be registered.
“It will be a non-statutory body created in response to a need identified by the university administration,” an official notice stated.
The purpose of the club will be to provide students, faculty, staff members and residents with legal information, programmes and resources regarding animal welfare on the university campus and avoid man-animal conflict.
“The duties of the club will include organising awareness programmes about animal rights, make efforts to prevent disease and provide veterinary treatment to animals, arrange appropriate shelter and food, manage vaccination, control animal population through various programme, etc.,” the notice stated. The varsity has also invited feedback for the constitution of the club till November 24.
