Meeting on dog attacks linked to aggressive dogs convened
REGIONAL: A meeting centered on dog attacks, specifically those linked to unleashed and aggressive dogs in Kohima town, was convened, chaired by Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem. Participants included concerned officials of Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Kohima Municipal Council (KMC), Police, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Departments and other stakeholders.
KMC's Chief Executive Officer, Alemyapang Longchar, provided an update on the progress of relocating the dog shelter to Lerie Colony from the KMC Chaü parking, aiming for completion by October 20. The new site is deemed more suitable due to its position on the town's outskirts and the availability of more space.
The discussion addressed challenges in impounding unleashed dogs from public areas, leading to a recommendation for the use of body cameras to enhance transparency during these operations. It was proposed that local police should be notified prior to executing such tasks, with assurances of support from the District Administration for the personnel involved.
The necessity of attaching a veterinary doctor to the KMC was highlighted for providing essential veterinary services and technical support, a request to be forwarded to the Veterinary & Animal Husbandry (V&AH) Department. To promote preventative measures, the District Administration committed to initiating administrative actions and developing a legislative framework to regulate dog ownership in conjunction with the V&AH Department.
It was resolved that the Chief Veterinary Officer, alongside the KMC, would implement ward-wise dog vaccinations, issuing vaccination certificates under the motto “My Dog, My Responsibility.” This initiative aims to ensure responsible dog ownership and facilitate better management of vaccinated dogs.
Public awareness on responsible pet ownership, legal frameworks and the issues related to unattended dogs in public spaces was emphasized as a crucial element of the meeting's outcomes.