Dog By-Laws: Animal lovers seek review of dog by-laws before state nod | Bhubaneswar News
Ben Madilynn
Bhubaneswar: Draft by-laws passed by Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Oct last year for registering pet dogs in a bid to check conflicts between owners and residents over attacking, chasing and biting cases did not get approval from the previous govt. Now, all eyes are on the new govt whether it will pass them or bring new by-laws.
Sources said the previous govt had not approved it considering possible negative reaction of residents.Many animal lovers invited to provide suggestions on the draft by-laws had raised objections.
Jivan Ballav Das, founder of People for Animals, said animal lovers were not entirely opposed to the by-laws. “We can expect the new govt reviews them by involving experts. Some stringent provisions may be written off. There should be provision to educate owners so they ensure their pets don’t harm others. There is no problem approving such by-laws,” he told TOI.
After BMC sent the by-laws to the housing and urban development department for approval, the latter had asked for some clarifications, which the BMC had provided, officials said. But when the previous govt took feedback and found that many opposed the rules, it stopped from giving approval, sources said.
BMC officials said the by-laws bring in more clarity on owner-resident accountability on pet dogs. It will also help solve grievances pertaining to dogs. People can lodge their grievances dialling the toll-free number 1929. “We are expecting the by-laws will be approved by the new govt,” said a BMC officer on the condition of anonymity.
In Nov last year, an unchained pet dog mauled a minor boy leaving him with severe injuries, after which it was banished from the locality. Police had registered a case under Section 289 (negligent behaviour pertaining to animal) of the IPC.
Milan Rath, an animal lover, said it is not necessary that pets are kept only by affluent people. “What about the poor who keep pets? I agree owners should behave responsibly. For that we can educate them but not bring by-laws,” she said.
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