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

Stray Dog Policy Update

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

Severe Penalties for Repeat Offenders

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

Vijay Amrit Raj, the livestock officer of the municipal corporation, stated that this order has been issued by the principal secretary of urban development and is being enforced across all municipal bodies. In cases of repeat offenses, a three-member committee will investigate, comprising an animal husbandry officer, a local body representative, and an SPCA member. The committee will determine if the dog was provoked before the attack, and only with sufficient evidence will a life sentence be imposed.

Increase in Dog Bite Incidents

The population of stray dogs in Prayagraj has exceeded 115,000, with over 4,000 dog bite cases reported each month. The presence of these dogs has led to numerous road accidents monthly. Recently, a stray dog chased a bank manager on a motorcycle, resulting in the manager's tragic death after he fell under a municipal garbage truck. The growing stray dog population is becoming a significant concern for residents.

Vaccination Efforts for Stray Dogs

To manage the stray dog population, the municipal corporation has established an ABC center in the city. According to Vijay Amrit Raj, this facility was built at a cost of ₹1.8 crore in Shams Nagar, where sterilization and vaccination of dogs are conducted.

Additionally, another ABC 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 stray dogs daily.

Lack of Community Engagement

Vijay Amrit Raj mentioned that the administration is providing facilities for pet lovers through dog parks, encouraging responsible pet ownership. Campaigns for pet identification and licensing are also underway.

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 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.