Dog owners culpable : AMBA
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 21 2015:
Dog owners are liable to be punished under the Indian Penal Code if their dogs let loose on streets bite people resulting in fatalities, said All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) president Advocate Khaidem Mani.
Talking about the death of many people in Churachandpur district and at Andro following dog-bites at Cheirap Court complex this afternoon, Mani recalled the ancient Manipuri proverb Hui ngaorabadi, huibu thiyu (if the dog is mad, find its owner).
Even though a dog has been infected by rabies, the law does not permit their slaughter.
If dogs let loose on streets pose threats to human life or create public nuisance, the owners are liable to be punished under Section 268 of the IPC.
The same section also allows dog bite victims to file civil suit and seek compensation from the dog owners.
The Government should also consider about paying ex-gratia to the families of dog-bite victims, Mani said.
The menace of rabies can be controlled by formulating a dog control regulation under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960.An official report published in 2002 said there were 1.32 lakh pet dogs in Manipur.
If the situation aggravates, a PIL may be filed, Mani added.