The District Administration of South Andaman has activated a strengthened stray animal response mechanism across public spaces, following the direction of the Supreme Court of India. The Order, issued on November 7 in the suo motu case titled “City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay Price,” has prompted districts nationwide to improve coordination, safety measures and citizen-friendly reporting channels. In the Islands, where human–animal interaction is frequent due to dense settlement pockets and open public areas, the initiative marks a significant step toward addressing long-standing community complaints.
Under the newly issued framework, the Administration has established multiple helpline channels to allow residents to report stray animal-related incidents swiftly. The District Control Room will function as the primary nodal point for all complaints and emergency alerts. Citizens may report incidents through the numbers 03192-240127, 03192-238881, and the emergency hotline 1070, all of which remain operational for round-the-clock monitoring.
To make reporting easier, especially in situations where real-time visuals help authorities respond faster, a WhatsApp helpline (9531888844) has also been activated. Residents may send photographs, video clips or exact location details to support assessment and prompt action. The Administration has emphasized that timely reporting by the public is essential to ensure quick intervention, particularly in locations frequented by children, senior citizens, morning walkers and commuters.
Supporting services have also been incorporated into the mechanism. The Veterinary Hospital in Garacharma (03192-252823) and the Veterinary Hospital in Junglighat (03192-232252) will coordinate medical and containment activities when needed. These facilities will respond to cases involving injured animals, aggressive behaviour, cattle obstruction on roadways, and other urgent situations requiring veterinary intervention.
Officials noted that the initiative reflects both public safety concerns and a humane approach to stray management. While the Supreme Court order underscores the immediate danger posed by uncontrolled stray populations in urban areas, it also encourages State bodies to implement structured, compassionate strategies. In South Andaman, the current mechanism aims to balance safety, animal welfare and community participation.
Residents have been urged to use the dedicated channels responsibly and avoid misinformation or exaggerated reports. The Administration has clarified that all complaints will be verified, and necessary action will be taken only after coordinating with concerned departments such as the Veterinary Wing, Panchayats, Municipal authorities, and field staff deployed across the district.
The updated system is expected to lead to faster handling of issues relating to stray dog packs, cattle wandering in market areas, and animal-related obstructions that compromise public mobility. Officials believe the mechanism will particularly help reduce risks near schools, anganwadis, playgrounds and ferry terminals, where stray presence has been repeatedly flagged by citizens.
With this strengthened network, the Administration aims to promote a safer public environment while encouraging communities to participate in responsible reporting. Residents have welcomed the initiative, noting that past complaints often faced delays due to fragmented communication channels. The consolidated system, supported by dedicated helplines and WhatsApp access, is expected to streamline intervention and reinforce accountability.
