BHUBANESWAR: Animal lovers have suggested inclusion of third party insurance cover in the draft Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (Registration and Proper Control of Dogs) By-laws, 2023, so that dog bite victims can be compensated.
The draft by-laws, which are being reviewed by BMC corporators, is likely to be passed in the first week of March. After discussion in the civic body meeting, there may be some more changes in the draft by-laws. In the backdrop of increasing dog bite cases in the city, the BMC wants owners to register their dogs under sections 409 (2) — any animal tethered in public street may be removed — and 543 (b) — keep any animal on his premises so as to be a nuisance or danger to any person — of Orissa Municipal Corporation Act, 2003.
“The corporators have been given copies of the draft by-laws. They will go through the rules and come up with their suggestions on the day of discussion. Based on the opinions emerging from the discussion, there may be some changes in the draft rules,” said BMC deputy commissioner Ramesh Jena.
Animal lovers have also suggested that pet parks be created in the city to facilitate dedicated hangout zones for the pets. They have also requested BMC to include in the draft by-laws a pet dog sterilisation policy so as to check cross-breeding and increase in population.
“Introduction of third party insurance rule in dog by-laws will be a welcome step. This will reduce burden on the dog owners in case of accidental bite. This will also work as a deterrent as owners will be careful about their dogs,” said animal rights activist Rakesh Biswal.
Among the provisions, the draft by-laws state that in case of dog biting people and livestock, the owners will have to compensate the victim. “The owner shouldn’t take the dog to defecate near residential areas. The dog after its death shouldn’t be abandoned or thrown in garbage. It should be buried at a depth of 3 ft. The BMC may provide a dog carcass transportation van for burial in designated ground. That will be decided soon. The owner shall provide charges for availing of the services,” said a draft rule.
The draft by-laws, which are being reviewed by BMC corporators, is likely to be passed in the first week of March. After discussion in the civic body meeting, there may be some more changes in the draft by-laws. In the backdrop of increasing dog bite cases in the city, the BMC wants owners to register their dogs under sections 409 (2) — any animal tethered in public street may be removed — and 543 (b) — keep any animal on his premises so as to be a nuisance or danger to any person — of Orissa Municipal Corporation Act, 2003.
“The corporators have been given copies of the draft by-laws. They will go through the rules and come up with their suggestions on the day of discussion. Based on the opinions emerging from the discussion, there may be some changes in the draft rules,” said BMC deputy commissioner Ramesh Jena.
Animal lovers have also suggested that pet parks be created in the city to facilitate dedicated hangout zones for the pets. They have also requested BMC to include in the draft by-laws a pet dog sterilisation policy so as to check cross-breeding and increase in population.
“Introduction of third party insurance rule in dog by-laws will be a welcome step. This will reduce burden on the dog owners in case of accidental bite. This will also work as a deterrent as owners will be careful about their dogs,” said animal rights activist Rakesh Biswal.
Among the provisions, the draft by-laws state that in case of dog biting people and livestock, the owners will have to compensate the victim. “The owner shouldn’t take the dog to defecate near residential areas. The dog after its death shouldn’t be abandoned or thrown in garbage. It should be buried at a depth of 3 ft. The BMC may provide a dog carcass transportation van for burial in designated ground. That will be decided soon. The owner shall provide charges for availing of the services,” said a draft rule.
