Following a gruesome attack on a 3-year-old child by an unleashed dog in the PWD colony in Kohima on 15 March 2025, the Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Council or AKMWC (formerly AKMWP) has raised questions on the measures taken by the District Administration to protect citizens from similar attacks.

The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Kohima has on 3rd January 2025 issued an Order that strictly prohibited “shoot-at-sight” orders for stray dogs within Kohima district. The DC had urged the public to report stray dogs and stated, “The concerned authorities, with the help of Chief Veterinary Office, shall take care of such stray dogs as per laid down procedures of relevant laws”.

Read more: DC Kohima prohibits ‘shoot-at-sight’ orders for stray dogs

Citing this Order and the attack on the child who is “permanently scarred and fighting for his life”, the AKMWC, in an Open Letter, said that the District Administration “cannot afford to bury it’s head in the sand and wish the problem away.”

The association asked:

– How many dog kennels are set up to house the impounded dogs?

– How many dog catchers are employed to catch unleashed dogs?

– What measures have been taken to protect the lives and safety of the citizens of Kohima town?

AKMWC President Thejao Sekhose and Legal Advisor Hukato Chishi strong pressed on the concerned authority to initiate urgent effective measures to curb the menace of unleashed dogs on the lives and safety of the citizens of Kohima and further demanded for immediate and adequate monetary compensation for the victim.