Chandigarh
The municipal corporation has proposed a Rs 2-lakh compensation for death caused by an animal. In case the animal is a pet, its owner is liable to pay the compensation. And in case of a stray, the civic body will shell it out.
This is part of animal bylaws’ draft for registration and control of stray animals. The agenda points will come up for approval in the MC house meeting slated for Friday. In case the victim becomes disabled due to the animal attack or bite, (s)he, too, will be entitled to Rs 2-lakh compensation, but only after the case is duly certified by the civil surgeon.
Besides, one family can get only three pets registered at a given time, and the registration will be renewed every year by April 1. Annual registration fee for a single pet is proposed at Rs 100, and late fee for first month will be Rs 100 (over and above the registration fee), for two months Rs 200 and beyond two months five times the first month late fee.
Earlier, the MC had no bylaws to govern the stray animals and compensate the victims. A few months ago, it had announced to compensate the stray dog bite victims with Rs 1,500, but no one came forward to claim it. The byelaws draft says the compensation should be settled by the joint commissioner or executive officer of the corporation concerned on application under Rule 12 of the Act. Owners will have to get their animals registered with the MC and put a tag around their necks. The animal to be registered will undergo a medical examination and the owner will have to produce the medical fitness certificate along with the registration application.
Mohali mayor Kulwant Singh said, “To control the stray animal menace, dog or cattle or even monkeys, we have drafted policies for registration of animals as well as compensation to victims. Some changes in the construction of cattle pound and its maintenance have also been proposed.”
The byelaws say animals’ owners or caretakers will not allow them to be at large at a public place without a muzzle and a leash. The byelaws will also defend the Prevention of Cruelty to the Animals Act, 1960, and the violating owner will be tried as per law and a complaint can be made to the MC.
