Lucknow, Sept. 7 -- In a move to address the rising incidents of stray dog bites and streamline animal welfare practices, the Uttar Pradesh urban development department has issued updated guidelines for all urban local bodies. The new directive, which aligns with the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, attempts to balance public safety and humane treatment of animals. The circular requires municipal corporations and municipalities to establish designated feeding zones for stray dogs, keeping them away from children's play areas, school vicinities and senior citizen zones. Feeding activities are to be restricted to low-traffic hours, and feeders must follow hygiene protocols and comply with guidelines set by Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs). Feeding in unauthorised areas is explicitly prohibited, and violators will face action. The government has introduced a formal mechanism for resolving conflicts over stray dog feeding between RWAs, apartment associations, and animal caregivers. According to the circular, in cases of contradiction or dispute, a dedicated "animal welfare association committee" will be formed to determine feeding points and appoint caretakers under the ABC Rules. The committee will include the chief veterinary officer, a nominated area police officer, representatives from RWAs or owner associations, the applicant (usually the caregiver), and other relevant stakeholders. Its decisions will be binding. The directorate of urban local bodies will establish a monitoring cell and direct all local bodies to appoint nodal officers responsible for dog sterilisation drives, rabies vaccination, and feeding zone compliance. The policy includes legal protections for those feeding stray dogs in compliance with rules. Threats or violence against them, especially women, will be considered a criminal offence, according to the directive. Principal secretary, urban development, Amrit Abhijat said the updated policy is a necessary intervention. "Dog bites remain a critical public health concern, and these updated guidelines ensure a humane yet effective management of stray dogs. By designating safe feeding zones, resolving disputes through committees, and promoting community participation in ABC programmes, we aim to protect vulnerable groups like children and seniors while upholding animal welfare," he said. Animal rights activist Kamna Pandey said, "However, the circular does not clarify at what level these committees will be formed, whether at the RWA level, municipal ward level, or district level, nor does it provide a specific timeline for their constitution." Lucknow-based animal rights activist PK Patra said, "There needs to be clarity on jurisdiction, timelines, and accountability if the government wants this mechanism to be effective." However, additional municipal commissioner Arvind Rao said, "Everything is clear in the guidelines, which are based on rules of Animal Welfare Board of India. Municipal corporations will be implementing the guidelines with the help of RWAs and animal rights groups."...