Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: Kohima officials met at the Deputy Commissioner’s office to stop stray dogs from terrorizing town streets. Free-roaming dogs, leash-less pets, and filth on footpaths have sparked constant public complaints. The town needs a fix. Officials discussed enforcing responsible pet ownership and making sure owners clean up after their animals.
The Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) previously ran a dog shelter near the Old Zoo until the Covid 19 pandemic hit. Noise complaints forced the site to shut down. Back then, the facility gave dogs food and care. Owners could get their pets back for a fee or let others adopt unclaimed dogs after one week. Revival of this shelter is now back on the table.
Authorities want mandatory vaccination and registration for all pet dogs. They plan to run awareness campaigns across wards and colonies. "The meeting stressed responsible pet ownership, proper disposal of dog waste and effective control of dogs." New guidelines will incorporate feedback from the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Officials also want to boost public health through better access to veterinary services. They may start a helpline or WhatsApp group for residents to report nuisance animals. The KMC must submit a formal plan for relocating and managing the dog shelter by September 17.
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