Gandhinagar: The Gujarat Education Department has directed school authorities across the state to immediately collect detailed information on stray dogs present on school campuses and in surrounding areas, in compliance with recent directions of the Supreme Court related to public safety and the management of stray animals.

The order, issued on February 11, 2026, by the Commissioner of Schools’ Office in the state capital, instructs District Education Officers to ensure that all educational institutions under their jurisdiction carry out an urgent survey of dogs found in schools, offices, and campus premises. Authorities have been asked to prepare a district-wise summary report and submit it within three days with the DEO’s signature and seal.

Details to be collected from schools

School principals have been told to compile the required information in a prescribed Excel format, including:

• Number of stray dogs on the school campus

• Number of stray dogs in areas surrounding the campus

• Whether local civic or administrative bodies have been informed and what action has been taken

The compiled data will be forwarded to the Gujarat Animal Welfare Board to ensure accurate records are available for judicial and administrative review.

Supreme Court compliance and priority status

The notification stated that the exercise is being conducted under directions issued in a suo motu writ petition in the apex court and related orders concerning safety in public places such as hospitals, educational institutions, bus stations, and railway stations.

Given that the matter is under the Supreme Court’s consideration, the Education Department has instructed authorities to treat the survey as a top priority and complete the process without delay.

Likely reaction from teachers

The directive has the potential to trigger resentment among teachers and school administrators, as institutions have been given a tight deadline to gather and submit detailed ground-level data in addition to their regular academic responsibilities. However, the survey will help authorities identify risk-prone locations and ensure a safer environment for students and staff across Gujarat’s educational institutions. DeshGujarat