5 months on, SAS Nagar yet to get notification for dog bylaws
It was in December last year, when the municipal corporation (MC) of SAS Nagar finalised the dog bylaws, but the civic body is still waiting for the notification of the bylaws from the state government.
It was in December last year, when the municipal corporation (MC) of SAS Nagar finalised the dog bylaws, but the civic body is still waiting for the notification of the bylaws from the state government.
After seven years of formation of SAS Nagar district, the MC finalised the dog bylaws and it was decided that Rs 250 would be charged annually from each owner for keeping pet dogs.
At present, there are nearly 3,500 pet dogs in the town and these animals are kept by the households without following any rules and regulations.
However, MC commissioner, Uma Shanker Gupta said, “We have already sent the bylaws to the state gover nment for the notification, but are yet to receive it. Hopefully, it will be notified by this month only as code of conduct was in force. Once, it is notified, the bylaws will be implemented.”
As per the finalised draft of the bylaws, the owner must register their every dog kept or brought within the MC limits, within seven days of its arrival or before April 1 each year. The owner will have to pay Rs 250 annually as registration fee. If the fee is paid on May 1, the owners would have to pay a registration fee of Rs 350.
On registration, the MC will provide the owner a metal badge having engraved name and address of the owner. The owner will have to make his dog wear the badge all time time.
The draft of the bylaws reads that any dog without collar or other marks distinguishing them as private property and not wearing the MC badge in accordance with the clause, if found loitering on the streets or beyond the owner’s house may be detained and a fine of Rs 50 per day will be imposed. After crossing the maximum fine of up to
Rs 250, the dog will not be released to the owner.
On conviction of the dog owner under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (59 of 1960), of an offence of cruelty to a dog, the court may order him to be disqualified for keeping a dog and for holding or obtaining a dog licence for any period.
The licence already issued to the owner shall be suspended. The owner, then, can appeal against the order in the manner as against a conviction. The penalty for failing to comply with such order shall be Rs 200.