Phek residents urged to rein in dogs after spike in bite cases

KOHIMA — Rising dog bite cases in Phek town have prompted the Phek Town Youth Society (PTYS) to implement precautionary measures to ensure human safety.

According to PTYS, the District Hospital, Phek, recorded 20 dog bite cases from January to June 2024, raising concerns about public safety.

PTYS Vice President, Vezovo, expressed concern over the increasing frequency of dog bite incidents in the town, saying that previous warnings issued to dog owners, in coordination with the district administration, to leash their dogs have gone unheeded.

To address this issue, he said PTYS will soon conduct a checking drive. During the drive, any unleashed dogs found roaming will be leashed and returned to their owners.

Vezovo underscored that the intention is not to harm the animals, but to emphasise responsible pet ownership. However, he added that more stringent measures would be considered as a last resort.

In this connection, the PTYS, in a recent public notice, had urged all dog owners to ensure their pets are vaccinated and kept leashed, cautioning that dogs found roaming would be seized, and their owners would face consequences.

Emphasising that its intent is to safeguard citizens, the PTYS sought co-operation from pet owners in maintaining public safety and well-being.