This year has seen an increase in the number of animal attack cases, both in terms of stray dogs and pets. In July, an elderly woman was mauled to death by her pet dog, raising concerns about the domestication and training of pets. In the aftermath, several other attacks came to light, including a five-year-old who was attacked in the elevator by a pet dog as the owner stood unrestrained, and a six-year-old was injured by stray dogs on the way back. home from school.
After the cases began to escalate, several local governments and associations began imposing their own set of rules when it came to handling pets. Some of those rules included not allowing dogs inside elevators or public areas off leash.
However, with the increase in reported attacks in the city, this has set the stage for heated debates between animal lovers and those demanding a solution to the attacks. Striking a chord between the two, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation is now considering proposals that would regulate the animal population and provide a solution against attacks.
New guidelines under consideration
Dr Arvind Rao, Director of Animal Welfare, Lucknow Municipal Corporation, said the company is currently developing new guidelines for companion animals, especially dogs. These proposals include doubling licensing fees, ensuring dogs don’t create problems for the public, adhering to the vaccination schedule, and more.
Currently, the civic body takes ₹500 to issue a license for foreign breeds and under the proposed guidelines, the fee may reach ₹1,000. The renewal process will be made strictly mandatory every year, along with the mandatory vaccination schedule.
For the sake of public safety, Rao said they are considering imposing regulations so that the owner of the dog cannot leave the animal unattended in public places and cannot create problems for locals. of the surrounding regions.
Addressing the news of pit bull attacks in Lucknow, Rao said the civic body will ensure the dogs are properly trained. In particular, dogs which are known for their fierce nature and are even banned in several other countries.
“Some dogs need to be properly trained before they are kept as pets in homes. We are trying to include that aspect and make it mandatory for pet owners in the city,” Rao said. The plan also attempts to educate pet owners about the dangers of keeping ferocious breeds as pets.
The proposal sets out stricter guidelines to ensure that pets have a safer living space. As the living spaces in the city are shrinking, he feels it is necessary to adopt measures to ensure that no conflicts arise because of pets. The dog’s owner will need to keep the animal’s well-being in mind and ensure that the area around it remains clean and comfortable for it to live in. They also considered a proposal that allows no more than two dogs in a home, based on space.
The problem of stray dogs would see the necessary action with public cooperation
Rao also made a point of acknowledging stray dog attacks and said the co-op had taken measures such as a helpline and animal birth control. This would regulate the wandering population and also help them keep track of their vaccination or sterilization.
According to data presented in an article by the New Indian Expressthe company neutered an average of 60 stray dogs per day, and this number will be increased to approximately 120 dogs per day.
The Residents Helpline would be helpful in reporting stray dog emergencies and also in preventing animal cruelty. Along with representatives from several animal rights groups, they will work together to ensure conflict-free population control measures.
Also read: 12-Year-Old Attacked by Stray Dog Dies at Kottayam Medical College; The Ministry of Health launches an investigation