The Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills has issued a 14-point advisory to pet owners and animal enthusiasts for their better care and convenience to society.
In an age where more pet owners are going for pedigree animals, the DC urged for adoption of indigenous breeds in order to reduce numbers of strays. Sterilisation of pets is important, especially for stray dog population management.
For those animal lovers who feed stray animals, the DC advised that street dogs are not fed close to other people’s homes, areas where children play, where people take walks or are otherwise crowded. Furthermore, feeding should not make the neighbourhood dirtier and caregivers are advised to clean up feeding sites regularly. Household garbage must also be managed properly so that stray animals are not attracted to it.
The advisory also instructed pet owners to ensure proper identification of pets through registration, tagging, microchipping, etc. Pet owners should also take responsibility to see that their pets do not cause public nuisance and that they are regularly dewormed and seen by a veterinarian for vaccination. Rules on licensing and leash requirements should also be adhered to.
The other points are quite general and even repetitive in nature, such as selecting pets based on lifestyle, home environment and economy, giving them proper shelter, food, water, training, play time and grooming and socialising pets properly.
