Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: The State government has amended the policy for caring for street and pet dogs in the form of guidelines 2023 and required notarized statements from pet owners, holding them liable for any harm/injury caused by their pets to humans.
As per the amended policy pet owners will require to cover the costs of treatment and provide compensation to victims of animal bites.
The notification also warned of legal action taken against negligent owners under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Rules.
“Notarized affidavit in the prescribed format stating that the pet owner will be liable for any harm or physical injury caused by their animal to humans and will be liable to bear the cost of the victim’s medical treatment in addition to appropriate compensation,” the document said.
Dog owner are required to provide details about their pets, including the type of pet and other relevant information.
“The primary aim of this law will be to improve the management and monitoring of aggressive dog breeds and enhance public safety,” said Min Nilkanth.
He said the central government has already issued a notice recommending a ban on 23 specific dog breeds nationwide.
However, this ban has faced legal challenges in the Karnataka High Court and, as a result, the enforcement of the ban has been temporarily suspended until the court makes a final decision.
“In view of the withholding of the ban, the ban in the state on ferocious breeds of dogs has also been kept on hold,” he said.
