The Dehradun Municipal Corporation has announced new rules for dog owners in the city. These rules, called the Dehradun Dog Licensing Bylaws-2025, are being introduced because of more dog bite cases and concerns about unregulated pet ownership. Once the rules are officially published, dog owners will be legally responsible if their dog bites someone, and an FIR can be registered in such cases.
Mandatory Dog Registration and Annual Renewal
All pet dogs older than three months must be registered with the Municipal Corporation. This is not a one-time process. You will need to renew your dog’s registration every year to keep the records up to date.
To register your dog, you must show a valid anti-rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian. This helps prevent the spread of rabies and keeps pets healthy when they are around other people and animals.
The licensing system will help the city keep a record of all pet dogs. This makes it easier to find out who owns a dog and to respond quickly if there is a complaint or emergency.
FIRs in Dog Bite Cases: A Major Shift
A major change in the new rules is that an FIR can be filed against a dog owner if their pet bites someone. Earlier, these cases usually led to small fines or warnings. Now, dog owners can face legal action if their dog bites a person. This means owning a pet also comes with legal responsibilities.
Authorities can also take custody of a dog if it is involved in a biting incident. This is to prevent more attacks and to check the dog’s behavior during the investigation.
What Prompted the New Rules?
These new rules are being introduced because of recent dog bite incidents in Dehradun. In some cases, large breeds have attacked people in public places. One incident that got a lot of attention was when a Rottweiler bit an autorickshaw driver after a fight with the owner. This led to public anger and demands for stricter rules.
Dog bite cases are increasing in many cities in India as more people keep pets. National rules mostly focus on sterilisation and vaccination, but local authorities often cannot enforce rules about careless pet ownership. The new rules in Dehradun are meant to make dog owners more responsible.
Public Reaction: Support and Concerns
People in Dehradun have different opinions about the new rules. Some support the changes because they believe it will reduce careless pet ownership and make public places safer. They say that registration and legal responsibility are important as the city grows.
Some pet owners are worried about the new rules. They feel that even responsible owners could face legal problems if their well-trained dog is involved in an unexpected incident. There are also concerns about whether the registration and renewal process will be easy to follow.
Aiming for Balance Between Safety and Pet Welfare
Officials say the new rules are not meant to stop people from keeping pets. The aim is to encourage responsible pet ownership, with a focus on vaccination, training, and supervision. Clear rules and consequences can help owners pay more attention to their pets’ behavior both in public and at home.
What Dog Owners Should Do Next
Dog owners in Dehradun should get ready for the new rules by making sure their pets are vaccinated and all documents are up to date. The Municipal Corporation will also run awareness programs to help people understand what they need to do.
If these rules work well in Dehradun, other cities may follow this example. Success will depend on fair enforcement, cooperation from the public, and good communication between authorities, pet owners, and animal welfare groups.
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