Ludhiana: Officials of the Government Senior Secondary Smart School, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) have expressed concern over increasing number of stray dogs roaming inside and around the school premises.School authorities said stray dogs are frequently seen at the entrance gate, parking area, playground and around the school building. The concern has intensified as board examinations are currently underway, with the school serving as one of the exam centres. Hundreds of students, teachers and non-teaching staff are present on campus daily.Officials said there is fear among staff and students as the behaviour of stray dogs can be unpredictable, particularly in the summer. They added that there is an apprehension of possible dog bites.The issue has also affected the ongoing admission process, as parents and students regularly visit the school for documentation and official work. School officials said the presence of stray dogs inside and around the campus creates a negative impression and causes discomfort to visitors. They have urged the concerned authorities to relocate the dogs to a safer environment.“The dogs are sometimes found resting under cars during afternoon rush hours in the parking area and often follow people inside the school for food. Many people are scared of them. A school is not the right place for stray dogs. They should be taken to a shelter which has the facilities required to care for them, as the school cannot provide this,” said a teacher.School principal Dr Pardeep Kumar said the situation had already been flagged. “About two to three months ago, the school authorities approached the MC and requested appropriate action which would be beneficial for both the school and the stray dogs. However, the number of stray dogs on the campus is increasing day by day and the matter now requires immediate attention from the concerned authorities,” he said.Vice-chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal said, “This is a big problem we are facing. There have been incidents of dog attacks on students a couple of times. We had requested the MC to take these. But as per their policy, they took dogs for sterilization but left them back on the premises.”
