New Regulations for Stray Dogs in Prayagraj: Life Imprisonment for Repeat Offenders

Stray Dog Regulations in Prayagraj

Stray Dogs: In response to the rising incidents of aggressive stray dogs attacking humans in Prayagraj, local authorities have implemented significant new measures. The government has mandated that any dog that bites a person for the first time will be kept at an ABC (Animal Birth Control) center for ten days. Following this period, a microchip will be implanted in the dog before it is released back into the community.

If the same dog bites again, it will face a life sentence, meaning it will be housed permanently at the ABC center's shelter.

Consequences for Dogs

According to Vijay Amrit Raj, the livestock officer of the municipal corporation, this directive has been issued by the principal secretary of urban development and is being enforced across all municipal bodies. In cases of a second bite, a three-member committee will investigate, consisting of a livestock officer, a local body representative, and an SPCA member. The committee will also assess whether the dog was provoked into attacking. A life sentence will only be imposed if sufficient evidence is found.

Increase in Dog Bite Incidents

The population of stray dogs in Prayagraj has exceeded 115,000, with over 4,000 reported dog bite incidents each month. These strays are also causing numerous road accidents. Recently, a stray dog chased a bank manager on a motorcycle, leading to the manager's tragic death after he fell under a municipal garbage truck. The growing number of stray dogs has become a significant concern for residents.

Vaccination of Street Dogs

To manage the stray dog population, the municipal corporation has established an animal birth control center in the city. As per Vijay Amrit Raj, this facility, located in Shams Nagar, was built at a cost of ₹1.8 crore and focuses on sterilization and vaccination of dogs.

Additionally, another animal birth control center is nearing completion, with an investment of ₹4 crore. A team of over a dozen health workers will be stationed there to vaccinate more than two dozen street dogs daily.

Lack of Public Engagement

Vijay Amrit Raj noted that the administration is providing facilities for pet owners through dog parks, encouraging them to walk their pets. There is also an ongoing campaign for pet identification and licensing.

The corporation has set a fee of ₹1,000 for pet dog registration and ₹800 for license renewal. For the first time, pet cats are also included in this initiative, with a licensing fee of ₹400. However, there seems to be a lack of enthusiasm among the public regarding these measures.