Shillong: Deputy commissioner of East Khasi Hills has issued directives under the One Health plan aimed at eliminating human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030, as part of National Action Plan for Rabies Elimination (NAPRE).Data released by the district joint steering committee for rabies elimination shows a sharp rise in recorded dog-bite cases in the district in recent years, with pet dogs accounting for more than 80% of reported bites in 2025.The directives include compulsory pet registration and muzzling, legal action against negligent pet owners, and systematic management of stray dogs.Owners of pit bulls, Rottweilers, German shepherds and Dobermans are required to muzzle their dogs when taking them outside their residences.According to the order, pet owners who fail to comply with the norms may face FIRs, fines and other penalties. It cites Section 125 of BNS in cases where pets bite people or cause a public nuisance.Indiscriminate feeding of stray dogs in public areas has been prohibited. Localities must designate specific and regulated feeding areas to prevent dogs from congregating near public spaces and markets. Local bodies and market committees have also been directed to improve food-waste disposal to reduce sites that attract stray dogs.The district animal husbandry and veterinary officer, along with Shillong Municipal Board and Dorbar Shnongs, will conduct systematic stray-dog sterilisation and anti-rabies drives. Medical evaluations will be required before stray dogs are handed over for adoption.The district medical and health officer must ensure uninterrupted supplies of anti-rabies vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin at all designated health centres.Health facilities have been directed to maintain detailed records of animal-bite cases, distinguishing between bites by pet and stray dogs. Any incident involving a pet-dog bite must be reported immediately to the nearest police station.Police units across East Khasi Hills have been authorised to file FIRs against habitual offenders whose dogs pose repeated safety threats.
