Dateline Dehradun: Next time you take your four-legged friend for a stroll in public places in the city, it would be a good idea to carry a ‘Valid pet dog license’ issued by Nagar Nigam, Dehradun.
Dr. Dinesh Chandra Tiwari, Senior Veterinary Officer, Nagar Nigam Dehradun tells us, “Under the Municipal bylaws there is provision to issue licenses for pet canines,” adding, “Over the months, we got complaints were pets had rabies like symptoms and on checking, to our surprise these pets had not been vaccinated for various ailments including serious disease such as rabies. Current vaccination against Rabies is pre-requisite to obtain the dog-license, and is part of the supporting documents needed to apply for a fresh license or its renewal. This is in interest of public and animal health both.”
Last year alone some five hundred and thirty six pet licenses were issued in Dehradun district. While the cost of the pet license, valid for twelve months, is priced at a nominal two hundred rupees, those with ‘no-license’ can be fined up to rupees five hundred.
Keeping pandemic restrictions in place, especially for senior citizens, the Veterinary Department has a 24×7 email facility in place for those who cannot physically be present to apply for the license. In the near future, Dr. Tiwari assures us, “we are planning to put up camps in various wards to make it easier for people to apply for licenses for their pet. But until such date, they will have to make do with whatever is available and we will send our teams to assist.”
Revival of ‘Dog licensing’ serves as a great check and balance system that ensures that within their municipal limits, pet owners are doing their bit to keep the community and their own pets safe.
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