7 yrs on, dog bylaws yet to be notified

Around seven years after the municipal corporation (MC) adopted the 'dog bylaws', the municipal corporation (MC) is still waiting for notification of the laws from the local bodies department. With delay in notification of the bylaws, the MC is unable to start registration of pet dogs. Besides, with the civic body starting sterilisation of stray dogs, the staff is facing problems differentiating between pet and stray dogs.

As the MC has already started the sterilisation project, the MC is repeatedly sending reminders to the local bodies department to issue the notification regarding the same. It is pertinent to mention that the last reminder was sent to the local bodies department in March this year.

The Registration and Proper Control of Dogs Bylaws were adopted by the MC with a resolution number 320 on March 10, 2008, and it had become the first MC in the state for adopting these bylaws. Sources said the local bodies department had also finalised it a few years back, but it failed to issue notification in this regard.

On Thursday, MC commissioner GK Singh has written to joint commissioner AS Sekhon that the dog menace has been troubling the city residents so there is a need to implement the bylaws. He had directed him to write to the authorities concerned regarding the same.

"The Punjab and Haryana high court has given two-month time to the local bodies department to submit a plan to resolve the problem of stray dogs. Before the court gave any directions, there is an urgent need of implementation of the bylaws for dogs," said Singh.

Sekhon said they were also looking into suggestions like construction of pounds and shelters for dogs. After sterilisation, dogs can be kept under proper care at the dog pounds and shelters. He said a meeting would be organised in Chandigarh and they were hopeful about getting the notification in a week.

UNDER THE BYLAWS

+ It will be mandatory for registration of all the pet dogs that will be given a metal token carrying owner's name and address. The MC will also generate income by charging registration fee
+ Owner will have to take license from the MC to if he wants his/her dog to participate in any game
+ MC can disqualify any person from keeping a dog if any cruelty is found
+ Owner of the dog shall not allow the dog to defecate in public places such as residential areas, green belts, parks and others.
+ License is required for breeding of dogs
+ The owner should ensure proper vaccination to dog and shall get the dog sterilized.
+ Dead dog shall be buried at notified/earmarked places to a depth of 3 foot in in hygienic manner