Lucknow: In an unusual but headline-grabbing move, the Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out what may be the country’s first-ever “doggy justice system.” Under the new directive, stray dogs that bite humans face strict punishments ranging from short-term confinement to a lifetime behind shelter walls.
According to the order issued by Principal Secretary Amrit Abhijat on September 10, the rule is simple: if a stray dog bites once without provocation, it will be caught and sent to an Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre for 10 days of quarantine and rehabilitation. If the same dog repeats the offense, it won’t be returning to the streets it will spend the rest of its life in the shelter, a canine equivalent of a life sentence without parole.
The process begins with a medical check-up and sterilization, followed by microchipping to ensure the dog’s identity is permanently recorded. “The microchip will store all details and also allow us to track its location,” explained Dr. Bijay Amrit Raj, Veterinary Officer of Prayagraj Municipal Corporation. “This is like issuing an Aadhaar card with GPS, but only for dogs.”
To prevent unfair punishments, the government has also set up a three-member committee a vet, an animal behavior expert, and a municipal officer to determine whether the bite was truly unprovoked. “If a dog bites after being teased, hit, or having stones thrown at it, that will not be counted as a crime,” Dr. Raj clarified. Essentially, dogs now have their own legal defense team.
The only way for a repeat offender to escape lifelong shelter confinement is through adoption. But there’s a catch: the adopter must sign an affidavit promising that the dog will never again be released onto the streets. Failure to uphold this agreement could result in legal action. In short, it’s parole but only under strict human supervision.
This new policy comes just weeks after the Supreme Court debated stray dog management in Delhi and the NCR. While the apex court softened its earlier stance ruling that strays should be sterilized, vaccinated, and returned to their original locations unless rabid or dangerously aggressive Uttar Pradesh has taken a tougher approach, opting for permanent removal of repeat biters.
Animal rights activists have expressed concern that the measure paints strays as “criminals” rather than creatures in need of compassion. On the other hand, supporters argue that it addresses rising public anger over stray attacks, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas.
For now, stray dogs in Uttar Pradesh will have to mind their manners. One bite could land them in temporary custody. A second bite, however, might mean saying goodbye to street freedom forever. It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there and in UP, even man’s best friend must tread carefully.