In Prayagraj and across Uttar Pradesh, authorities are preparing for an unusual yet critical initiative — a special workshop to train veterinary doctors on how to handle cases of repeat dog bites.
The program, scheduled to begin on September 23 in Lucknow, is being organized in response to rising concerns about stray and pet dog attacks in urban areas.
Under the state government’s newly issued directive, any dog — stray or pet — that bites a person twice could face what officials are calling “life imprisonment”.
Unlike in criminal law, this does not mean jail, but permanent confinement inside an Animal Birth Control (ABC) Centre, away from public spaces.
Why the Workshop Matters
The new rules require veterinary doctors to not only treat injured people but also assume an investigative role. Before recommending lifelong confinement of a dog, veterinarians must conduct thorough inquiries, review evidence, and follow due legal procedures.
The workshop will include veterinary officers from every municipal body across the state. Senior officials and animal behavior experts will guide them on how to evaluate medical reports, study the dog’s behavioral patterns, and determine whether aggression was provoked or unprovoked.
A three-member team, led by the local veterinary officer, will eventually decide whether the dog should be permanently confined.
Officials emphasize that the measure is not about cruelty or killing but about preventing repeat attacks. Just as humans undergo investigations before punishment, dogs, too, will face structured inquiries before any decision is taken.
The Two-Step Rule
The directive, first issued earlier this month by Amrit Abhijat, then Principal Secretary of Urban Development, lays out a step-by-step process:
- First Bite:
- The dog is placed under 10-day medical observation.
- Vets check for rabies and monitor its behavior.
- If healthy, the dog may be released but must be fitted with a microchip for identification and tracking.
- Second Bite:
- If the same dog attacks again, this becomes sufficient grounds for permanent confinement at an ABC Centre.
Dr. Vijay Amritraj, Livestock Officer of the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation, confirmed that the government is determined to implement the order swiftly. “Public safety cannot be compromised, especially in densely populated cities,” he said, stressing that the upcoming workshop is being held with urgency.
Role of Technology: Microchipping Dogs
The program is not just punitive. It will also introduce microchipping technology, which acts like an identity card for dogs. Once a dog is chipped, authorities can track its medical history, movements, and behavior.
This prevents confusion between stray dogs and ensures that repeat offenders are clearly identified.
Officials believe that this system strikes a balance between citizen safety and animal welfare — offering a scientific, non-lethal method to monitor aggressive dogs.
Public Reaction: Mixed but Intense
The decision has ignited widespread debate.
- Many residents, particularly parents, have welcomed the order, arguing that dog attacks have caused injuries and even deaths, and strict measures are overdue.
- Others, especially animal rights activists, caution that aggression in dogs is often a response to human behavior — including stone-pelting, mistreatment, or hunger. They argue that sterilization drives, vaccination, and proper feeding could reduce aggression more effectively than confinement.
Despite criticism, the state government insists that the rules are necessary to restore public confidence in safety on city streets.
The Larger Context: Stray Dogs in India
India faces a huge stray dog crisis, with an estimated 60 million dogs roaming freely. In many cities, poor waste management, lack of sterilization programs, and urban crowding have contributed to frequent human-dog conflicts.
Every year, millions of dog-bite cases are reported across the country, with states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra recording some of the highest numbers.
The problem is compounded by rabies — a deadly but preventable disease. India accounts for nearly 20,000 rabies-related deaths annually, making it the global epicenter of rabies fatalities.
In this backdrop, Uttar Pradesh’s move is both preventive and symbolic. It sends a strong message that repeat aggressors will be dealt with firmly, while still sparing dogs from euthanasia.
Comparisons with Other States and Countries
- In India, States like Kerala and Goa have previously attempted strict measures, often triggering resistance from animal welfare groups.
- Globally:
- In the United States, biting dogs are quarantined, evaluated for aggression, and sometimes euthanized.
- In the UK, the Dangerous Dogs Act allows seizure of aggressive dogs and penalties for owners.
- In Germany, the focus is on owner accountability through licenses, training, and legal liability.
Experts note that India’s challenges are unique: unlike the West, where most dogs are pets with owners, India struggles with a massive free-ranging stray population.
Expert Opinions
Animal behaviorists argue that dog aggression rarely happens without cause. Dr. Rina Kapoor, a Delhi-based animal expert, explained: “Most repeat bites involve territorial instincts or reactions to abuse.
Unless preventive policies — like sterilization, vaccination, and feeding programs — are strengthened, permanent confinement is only a short-term fix.”
But civic activists see things differently. “Human safety has to come first,” says Anil Mishra, a Lucknow-based activist.
“Microchipping and permanent confinement may be strict, but they are necessary. Children and elderly citizens must feel safe walking on our streets.”
Looking Ahead
The Lucknow training session is expected to be a turning point in how dog-bite cases are managed in Uttar Pradesh. By training veterinarians to act not just as healers but also as investigators and enforcers, the state hopes to build a standardized system for tackling aggressive dogs.
Whether this becomes a model for other states or faces resistance in execution will depend on how well it balances public safety and animal rights.
For now, all eyes are on the veterinarians, who will soon carry the responsibility of deciding a dog’s fate — freedom, or lifelong confinement.
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