Tamil Nadu: The School Education Department has issued guidelines to school principals to protect students from the threat of stray dogs.
The number of stray dogs in Tamil Nadu has increased after the coronavirus pandemic. The number of people bitten by stray dogs has been steadily rising over the past three years. Due to inadequate vaccination, the number of deaths from rabies is also increasing.
In this situation, the School Education Department has issued guidelines for all head teachers to follow regarding the threat of stray dogs. These guidelines state that parents should be advised during parent-teacher meetings to ensure that their pet dogs are properly vaccinated. Awareness banners about the dangers of stray dogs should be displayed on school notice boards. Students should be educated about the dangers of stray dogs during morning assemblies.
If a student is bitten by a stray dog, they should be instructed to inform their teacher or parents without hesitation. If stray dogs are found in the areas surrounding the school, the relevant local government authorities should be informed immediately. Students should be given necessary instructions to avoid playing with or feeding stray dogs in the streets. Students should be made aware of the risks of rabies infection.
School principals should appoint a coordinating officer to oversee campus maintenance and ensure that stray dogs are not allowed to enter or remain on the premises. The officer’s details should be posted on the notice board for everyone to see, the guidelines state.a
