The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services has stepped up its Animal Birth Control (ABC) campaign in Hut Bay, Little Andaman, by conducting focused school awareness programmes aimed at educating students on dog bite prevention, public safety and humane stray dog management.
As part of the outreach, veterinary officials interacted with more than 100 students across two educational institutions, underscoring the importance of community participation in sustaining public health and animal welfare initiatives. The sessions were designed to familiarise young learners with practical safety measures while reinforcing the objectives of the ABC programme being implemented across the islands.
At Ananda Marga Primary School in Rabindra Nagar, students participated in age-appropriate discussions centred on recognising risky situations involving stray dogs and adopting safe behaviour. The engagement encouraged children to ask questions and understand the role of vaccination and sterilisation in controlling the stray dog population. Teachers also took part in the interaction, supporting the emphasis on awareness at the primary level.
A similar programme was held at PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School in R K Pur, where senior students engaged in detailed discussions on dog menace management and the responsibilities of citizens in supporting animal control efforts. Participants sought clarifications on safety protocols, reporting mechanisms and how the ABC campaign contributes to reducing the risk of dog bites and rabies transmission.
During both sessions, veterinary officials highlighted essential first-response steps in the event of a dog bite, including maintaining distance from unfamiliar animals and immediate wound care through thorough washing with soap and running water. Students were advised to promptly report incidents to nearby health facilities and to avoid practices such as roadside feeding of stray dogs, which can inadvertently increase risks.
The department also drew attention to the islands’ long-standing rabies-free status, stressing that continued vigilance and cooperation from local communities are critical to maintaining this public health achievement. Officials explained that sterilisation drives and routine vaccination under the ABC programme play a key role in controlling the stray dog population in a humane and sustainable manner.
The awareness initiative forms part of the department’s broader strategy to address dog-related safety concerns through education, prevention and community engagement. By targeting schools, the campaign aims to instil responsible practices among young residents, ensuring that knowledge of safety measures and animal welfare reaches households across Little Andaman.
