East Khasi Hills DC issued advisory note for pet owners and care givers of stray dogs

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 27, 2023

The Deputy Commissioner East Khasi Hills District has issued an advisory note for pet owners and care givers of street dogs in the district.

According to the advisory issued vide No. Dev.35(IV)2/Vety /2016/Vol-III/68, Dated Shillong the 21st April, 2023, the Deputy Commssioner emphasized that selection of pets should not be impulsive rather it should suit one’s lifestyle, home environment and economy.

The advisory suggested that pet owners should keep only the numbers and kind of pets that they can afford emotionally, economically and time schedule they can afford for their pets.

One should have sufficient space according to the kinds of pets one is adopting for company. Proper shelter from cold, heat and rain should be provided. Timely feeding and watering,proper training, adequate play time, proper cleaning and grooming are mandatory.

Pets parenting should be considered as a responsibility, company, life long friends and guards for many.

Ensure proper identification of one pets by proper registration, tagging, microchipping, etc.

They should avoid allowing loitering of their pets in order to prevent public nuisance.

Periodic checkup for their normal health, Deworming, Vaccination from Deadly and Zoonotic diseases etc. is of utmost importance.

Adherence to Local ordinaces including licensing and leash requirements should be mandatory.

Socializing their pets, ample exercise, proper and regular observation of their health status is very important in order to take timely corrective measures.

Adoption of Indigenous Breeds is need of the hour in order to reduce the challenges of Strays.

Sterilization of pets is important if one is not comfortable with the repeated breeding cycles. Sterilization of stray dogs is very important for management of stray dog population.

Proper Garbage management systems needs to be implemented in dwelling areas to avoid attracting stray animal population. Open defecation of pets should not be encouraged.

Care givers are advised not to feed street dogs close to residences not their own.

They are also advised to avoid feeding street dogs immediately adjacent to areas in which children play, or people take walks, or that are otherwise crowded.

Moreover, feeding must not be done in manner that contributes to littering or dirtying any feeding site. Care-givers are advised to clean up feeding sites after feeding is over.