The Kohima district administration has initiated measures to address the growing issue of stray and free-roaming dogs in the town and its colonies, with proposals including the revival of a dog shelter, compulsory registration and vaccination of pet dogs, and a public reporting mechanism.
A meeting of line departments and concerned officials was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s chamber to deliberate on practical solutions to the problem, which has increasingly drawn public concern due to incidents of dog bites and the unhygienic disposal of dog faeces on roads, footpaths and other public spaces.
Officials stressed that while there is no law preventing people from keeping dogs as pets, owners have a responsibility to ensure that their animals do not roam freely without proper control or leashes. The meeting underscored the need for responsible pet ownership, proper disposal of dog waste and stronger awareness campaigns at the colony and ward levels.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
The Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) informed the meeting that a dog shelter had earlier been maintained near the Old Zoo before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it was later discontinued following complaints from residents over noise disturbances.
Officials noted that the shelter had provided proper care and feeding for impounded dogs. Pet owners were allowed to reclaim their animals after paying the prescribed charges, while unclaimed dogs could be adopted after a specified period.
Participants discussed reviving and relocating the shelter as part of a broader strategy to manage free-roaming dogs in a humane and systematic manner. The meeting also examined the need for compulsory vaccination and registration of pet dogs, along with measures to make basic veterinary services, including vaccinations, more accessible to residents.
The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) submitted a set of recommendations, which were welcomed by the meeting and will be incorporated into guidelines to be issued by the administration.
To improve public participation, the meeting proposed establishing a helpline or WhatsApp-based reporting system through which residents can report cases of free-roaming or problematic dogs.
Emphasising the need for practical and sustainable solutions, the administration directed the KMC to submit a detailed action plan for the relocation and management of the dog shelter by September 17.
