Sakina Tashrifwala
Published on: 18 November 2022 at 19:12 IST
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum ordered the Gurugram Municipal Corporation to outlaw 11 “dangerous foreign breeds” of dogs, annul their registrations, and seize the animals.
According to the ruling, the following breeds are prohibited: American Pit Bull Terriers, Dogo Argentino, Rottweilers, Neapolitan mastiffs, Boerboels, Presa Canario, Wolf Dogs, Bandogs, American Bulldogs, Fila Brasileiro, and Cane Corso.
The order was given while the Civil Lines dog bite case was being heard by the consumer forum. The forum further ordered the municipal organisation to ensure that all pet dogs be registered within a month, with a minimum registration price of 12,000 and an annual renewal charge of at least 10,000.
Additionally, the forum ordered the municipal corporation to immediately seize and house all stray dogs in dog pound facilities in its 16-page order. The injunction stated that these pets needed to be sterilised and immunised.
According to its directive, a family is only permitted to retain one dog. When taken for a stroll in a public area, they must keep the animal’s mouth properly covered with a muzzle. To preserve good hygiene and cleanliness in public spaces, pet owners must also carry dog waste bags and scoops.
Any infraction has a minimum fine of 20,000 rupees, which can go up to 2 lakh, and in the event of default, the owner faces a least one-month sentence and a maximum of two years in prison.
In accordance with a directive from the forum, the municipal authority has three months to draft appropriate guidelines in this regard. Until such rules are created, the court’s directives will still be in effect.
After hearing Munni’s case, the forum concluded that the dog attack had left the victim with serious injuries and ruled that she should get a 2 lakh settlement. However, the forum instructed the municipal corporation to immediately take the dog into custody and stated that it was free to recoup the money from the dog’s owner.
The municipal authority was also ordered by the court to frame legislation regarding this matter establishing a minimum monetary award of 20,000 rupees in the event of a dog bite.