📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / This Photo was taken by Timothy A. Gonsalves. Fee
Health
Meghalaya district mandates dog registration after pet bites account for 80% of cases
✍️ The Assam Tribune
🗓 03 Sep 2026, 04:17 AM
👁 22
A district in Meghalaya has ordered compulsory registration of dogs after data showed that more than four‑fifths of bite incidents involve pet animals.
The district administration in Meghalaya announced a new directive requiring owners to register every dog within its jurisdiction. The move follows a recent survey that found over 80% of reported dog‑bite cases were caused by pets rather than stray animals.
Officials said the registration will help authorities maintain a database of dog owners, enforce vaccination and leash‑law compliance, and facilitate quicker response when bite complaints arise. Penalties are proposed for non‑compliance, including fines and possible seizure of unregistered animals.
Public health experts welcomed the step, noting that documented ownership can reduce the spread of rabies and other zoonotic diseases. The district plans to set up registration centers at local municipal offices and will launch an awareness campaign to inform residents of the new requirement.
The directive is expected to be implemented within the next two weeks, with a grace period for existing dog owners to complete the process before enforcement begins.
Officials said the registration will help authorities maintain a database of dog owners, enforce vaccination and leash‑law compliance, and facilitate quicker response when bite complaints arise. Penalties are proposed for non‑compliance, including fines and possible seizure of unregistered animals.
Public health experts welcomed the step, noting that documented ownership can reduce the spread of rabies and other zoonotic diseases. The district plans to set up registration centers at local municipal offices and will launch an awareness campaign to inform residents of the new requirement.
The directive is expected to be implemented within the next two weeks, with a grace period for existing dog owners to complete the process before enforcement begins.