Legal action against those ordering to get rid of pet dogs, warns Mokokchung DC

Dimapur, June 16 (EMN): Following report of a village in Mokokchung district ordering pet dog owners to rid of their dogs, failing which a heavy fine would be imposed, Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung Limawabang Jamir on Monday issued an order warning that legal proceedings would be initiated against those acting in contravention to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 and the Acts and Rules under Animal Welfare Board of India.

The order came two days after Eastern Mirror published an article about a village council in Mokokchung issuing a bizarre order to get rid of pet dogs or be fined INR 5000 for first offense and a pig if found again.

The DC stated that “it has come to the knowledge of the district administration that some village authorities/ward authorities/individuals/groups in Mokokchung have issued a verbal order to get rid of all the domestic pets failing which defaulters would be penalised”.

On this, the DC warned that legal proceedings will be initiated under Section 428 and 429 of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 against any village authorities/ward authorities/individuals/groups acting in contravention to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 and the Acts and Rules under Animal Welfare Board of India.

While stating that the order to get rid of pet dogs was in violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 and the Acts and Rules under Animal Welfare Board of India, the DC has also directed all pet owners to prevent their pets from straying outside respective home premises and that action shall be initiated under relevant section of the Disaster Management Act 2005 and Section 289 of the Indian Penal Code against the owner whose pets are found loitering/littering in the towns/villages or causing danger to human life.

“All pet owners are to ensure and take all measures not to violate the order and all village authorities/ward authorities are to report any such cases to the administration for further necessary action”, the DC informed.