- All eateries including Armed Forces establishments to comply
Yash Khajuria
Leh, July 03: In a decisive response to the alarming rise in feral dog bites across Leh district, the District Magistrate has issued a stringent directive aimed at curbing the menace of stray canines.
On Wednesday, the office of District Magistrate Leh, signed an order under Section 163(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, mandating that all Armed Forces establishments, hotels, homestays, restaurants, and guest houses in Leh district must cease the practice of disposing of leftover food on roads and other accessible areas for feral dogs.
The order comes in the wake of a sharp increase in feral dog bites, which have become a significant public health and safety concern. In response to this urgent issue, the District Magistrate’s office has emphasized that any violations of the new regulations will result in penal actions under relevant rules, to be enforced by local authorities including the police.
The measure is intended to tackle the root cause of the feral dog problem by addressing the improper disposal of food, which has been identified as a key factor in attracting and sustaining the population of stray dogs in populated areas. The order stresses that due to the pressing nature of the situation, it is being enacted ex-parte, meaning that the usual requirement for individual notices is waived to expedite the enforcement of these critical measures.
The order cites several legal precedents, including a High Court of J&K and Ladakh order dated May 12, 2023, and directives from the Lt. Governor of UT Ladakh, which have previously addressed issues related to feral dogs. The new directive builds on these precedents by implementing more immediate and enforceable regulations.
In a statement, the District Magistrate’s office underlined the importance of this order for improving safety and health conditions in the district. “We are taking this step to prevent further incidents of dog bites and ensure the well-being of both residents and visitors. We urge all relevant establishments to adhere strictly to this order to help us manage and mitigate the feral dog issue effectively,” the statement read.
The order also highlights the increased risk to public health posed by feral dogs and acknowledges the role of improperly disposed food in exacerbating the problem. By curbing the availability of food sources for stray dogs, the administration aims to reduce their numbers and the associated risks.
