SRINAGAR, AUGUST 22: The Housing & Urban Development Department (HUDD), J&K, has taken serious note of the advertisement and sale of an electrically operated shock device being marketed as a “Dog Stick” and promoted for “safety from dogs and wild animals in streets.”
The device is being advertised by M/s Gambs Enterprises, Old Bus Stand, Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir.
The Department has cautioned that electric shock guns, stun devices, electric prods or similar devices shall not be used for stray animals as it violates Sections 3 and 11(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which impose a duty to prevent unnecessary pain or suffering to animals and prohibit treating an animal so as to subject it to unnecessary pain or suffering.
The Department has also drawn attention to the Arms Act, 1959 and Arms Rules, 2016. Under Section 5 of the Arms Act, sale, transfer, exposure or offer for sale, or possession for sale of firearms or other prescribed classes of arms requires the requisite licence. Contravention of Section 5 may attract Section 25(1)(a) of the Act.
The Arms Rules, 2016 specifically regulate Electronic Disabling Devices (EDDs). Depending upon their statutory classification and specifications, such devices may fall within the restricted or permissible arms categories, and Rule 89(3) provides that EDDs shall be sold only through authorised arms and ammunition dealers holding the requisite licence.
The Department has accordingly taken cognisance of the advertisement by M/s Gambs Enterprises and is examining the matter with the competent authorities to ascertain the legal classification of the device, the authority/licence under which it is being sold and its intended use.
All dog catchers, ABC agencies, contractors, Animal Welfare Organisations, municipal bodies and members of the public are also advised not to procure or use electric shock devices for catching, restraining or handling street dogs.
HUDD J&K reiterates its commitment to humane, scientific and lawful management of the street-dog population and adopts a zero-tolerance approach towards cruel methods used against animals.
