PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/DEHRADUN
Authorities in Dehradun have rolled out stringent new bylaws regulating pet and stray dogs amid a rise in dog attack incidents and growing public safety concerns. Now a person will be able to complain if pet dogs of the neighbour bark repeatedly and unnecessarily at night.
The Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) framed the by laws in line with Supreme Court directives, making it mandatory for residents to obtain a license to keep a dog. All pet dogs aged three months or older must be registered annually. Keeping an unregistered dog can lead to fines, confiscation of the animal and, in serious cases, the filing of a police report, officials said.
Under the new framework, licenses will be automatically cancelled if a dog’s anti-rabies vaccination expires during the license period. Owners of aggressive dogs must live in houses measuring at least 300 square yards, and stricter controls will apply when walking such animals in public spaces.
The by laws impose special conditions on breeds classified as highly aggressive, including Pitbulls, Rottweilers, Dogo Argentinos and American Bulldogs. These dogs require an annual license fee of Rs. 2000, mandatory neutering after one year of age and a complete ban on breeding. Owners must submit purchase and neutering certificates within three months, according to municipal officials.
Dogs are prohibited from entering public places without a leash, muzzle and supervision. Fines will be issued for open defecation, excessive barking complaints and dog bites, with penalties depending on the injury caused. In severe cases, an FIR can be filed and the dog will be seized.
Residents keeping five or more dogs must operate a private shelter with approval from the Uttarakhand Animal Welfare Board. The MCD will also establish designated stray dog feeding points, while banning feeding near schools, religious sites and crowded areas.
Municipal commissioner of Dehradun, Namami Bansal stated that penalties and legal cases are being registered in incidents involving dangerous dogs. She added that within municipal limits, responsibility for aggressive animals lies with their owners, and strict action will be taken against repeat offenders or those violating registration norms.
