In a significant move aimed at addressing the issue of aggressive stray dogs, the Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a new directive that could result in life-long confinement for repeat offenders. The order, issued on September 10 by Principal Secretary Amrit Abhijat, outlines a strict protocol for managing dogs that have bitten a human without provocation.
Uttar Pradesh sets new rule on Stray Dogs
Under the new rules, any stray dog that bites a person who subsequently receives an anti-rabies vaccine will be taken to a nearby Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre. The incident will be investigated by a three-person committee to determine if the bite was unprovoked. This committee will include a veterinary doctor, an animal behaviour expert, and a representative from the municipal corporation.
“A committee of three people will be set up… They will verify that the attack was unprovoked,” said Dr. Bijay Amrit Raj, Veterinary Officer at the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation. “If the animal bites after someone throws a stone, that will not be considered an unprovoked attack.”
Once at the ABC centre, the dog will be sterilized if it has not been already. It will then be placed under a 10-day observation period. Before being released, the animal will be fitted with a microchip containing all its details, allowing officials to trace its location. “Before being released, the dog will be microchipped, which will have all its details and also enable us to trace its location,” Dr. Raj added.
Here’s how Stray Dogs will get Life Imprisonment:
The directive specifies that if the same dog bites a human a second time without provocation, it will be housed at the centre for the remainder of its life. The only exception to this “life sentence” is if an individual adopts the dog. The adopter must provide their details and sign an affidavit pledging not to release the canine back onto the streets. The dog’s microchip details will be recorded, and legal action will be taken against anyone who violates this agreement.
This directive follows a recent Supreme Court order regarding the management of stray dogs in Delhi and the National Capital Region. The Supreme Court’s initial order to house all stray dogs in shelters was later modified, with a larger bench ruling that canines should be sterilized, vaccinated, and returned to their original locations, unless they are rabid or aggressive.
