The Gujarat Education Department has directed schools across the state to urgently collect and submit details about stray dogs present on school campuses and in nearby areas, following recent Supreme Court directions related to public safety and stray animal management.
In an order issued on February 11, 2026, the Commissioner of Schools instructed District Education Officers (DEOs) to ensure that all institutions under their jurisdiction conduct an immediate survey of stray dogs found within school premises, offices and surrounding areas. A district-wise summary report, signed and sealed by the DEO, must be submitted within three days.
Information to be collected
School principals have been asked to compile the data in a prescribed Excel format, including:
- Number of stray dogs on the school campus
- Number of stray dogs in surrounding areas
- Whether local civic or administrative authorities have been informed and what action has been taken
The collected information will be forwarded to the Gujarat Animal Welfare Board to maintain accurate records for administrative and judicial review.
Survey to be treated as priority
The notification stated that the exercise is being carried out in compliance with directions issued in a suo motu writ petition before the Supreme Court concerning safety at public places such as schools, hospitals, bus stations and railway stations. Authorities have been instructed to treat the survey as a top priority and complete it without delay.
While the short deadline may add to the workload of teachers and school administrators, the initiative is expected to help identify vulnerable locations and improve safety for students and staff across educational institutions in the state.