The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services has intensified its island-wide awareness campaign on stray dog bite prevention and management, extending its outreach to schools across South Andaman. The campaign, conducted over December 10 and 11, reached more than 500 school children and teachers, as part of a broader effort to promote public safety and responsible behaviour around animals.
Officials said the initiative focused on educating children, who are considered among the most vulnerable groups when it comes to dog bite incidents. Sessions were organised at government schools, where veterinary professionals interacted directly with students and teachers to explain practical measures that can reduce the risk of bites from both pet and stray dogs.
At Government Middle School, Humfrygunj, students were briefed on how to recognise signs of aggression in dogs, common situations that can lead to bites, and simple precautions that can help avoid confrontations. The sessions also covered safe behaviour around dogs in neighbourhoods, school routes and public spaces, emphasising the importance of remaining calm and avoiding actions that may provoke animals.
A similar awareness programme was conducted at Government Middle School, New Bimblitan, where the focus remained on bite prevention, stray dog management and the role of communities in reducing risk. The department highlighted the need for collective responsibility in handling stray dog-related issues, including reporting aggressive behaviour and supporting sterilisation and vaccination measures.
During the interactions, officials underlined the significance of the Animal Birth Control programme as a key tool in managing stray dog populations and preventing the spread of rabies. Students and teachers were informed about how systematic sterilisation and vaccination can contribute to long-term public safety and healthier animal populations. The sessions also aimed to dispel common myths surrounding stray dogs and encourage informed, humane responses.
The department indicated that the awareness drive forms part of a sustained campaign rather than a one-time event. By targeting schools, officials aim to instil safety awareness at an early age, with the expectation that children will also share the information with family members and peers, thereby amplifying the impact of the campaign within communities.
Public health officials have noted that awareness and preventive behaviour play a crucial role alongside medical intervention in reducing dog bite incidents. By combining classroom-based education with broader animal management programmes, the department seeks to address both immediate safety concerns and long-term population control challenges.
The outreach in South Andaman follows similar awareness activities conducted in other parts of the Islands, reflecting an island-wide approach to the issue. Officials indicated that further programmes are planned in additional schools and public institutions, depending on scheduling and coordination with education authorities.
As urban and semi-urban areas of the Islands continue to expand, interactions between humans and stray animals are expected to increase. The department’s awareness campaign is being positioned as a proactive measure to equip communities, especially children, with knowledge and practical guidance to reduce risk and respond appropriately in everyday situations.
