The Principal Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL), V. Rashmi Mahesh, has issued a circular to remove stray dogs from schools and Pre-University (PU) colleges across the state. This came after a recent directive from the Supreme Court. Officials must report the number of stray dogs on school premises to local bodies. After removal, a fence should be built to stop dogs from returning. The headmaster or principal will be the nodal officer to manage this process and work with local authorities. "Officials of Public Instruction and Pre-University Department should coordinate with the heads of schools/colleges under their jurisdiction, urban and rural local bodies and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent stray dogs from roaming in the premises of schools and colleges," said V. Rashmi Mahesh. She also ordered meetings of school heads every 15 days to monitor progress. Animal activists have strongly opposed this move. Arun, an activist from Bengaluru, said, "It is the fundamental duty of all citizens to show compassion for animals. Children should be taught about nature and the protection of animals and birds in schools and colleges. Instead, this circular is to expel stray dogs from the premises of school, colleges and instil hatred in children against them. Dogs are not wild animals. There is no example of dogs biting children in school and colleges." Arun added that over 1.5 lakh animal activists have written to the Chief Justice of India against the Supreme Court order and called for withdrawal of the circular in the state. The issue remains tense as the education department enforces the circular while activists push back against the removal of stray dogs from educational institutions.