Shillong, September 1: The East Khasi Hills district administration has issued comprehensive directives assigning responsibilities to local authorities, police, health officials and Dorbar Shnongs under the “One Health” approach to achieve zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
Issued in line with the National Action Plan for Rabies Elimination (NAPRE), the orders cover pet registration and vaccination, muzzling of specified breeds, action against negligent owners, regulated feeding of stray dogs, sterilisation and uninterrupted anti-rabies treatment.
The directives apply to Lumshatsngi, Madan Laban, Riat Laban, Oxford and Kench’s Trace, Lower Lumparing, Upper Lumparing and Kynjat Phutbol.
Pet registration, muzzling and owner liability
Owners of Pitbulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds and Dobermans must muzzle their dogs outside their homes, display warning signboards and ensure their pets do not endanger pedestrians or neighbours.
Dorbar Shnongs will conduct household-wise enumeration and registration of domestic dogs and issue vaccination cards. Violators may face FIRs, fines and penalties. Police may also act under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against owners whose dogs bite people or cause a public nuisance.
Indiscriminate feeding of stray dogs in public places has been prohibited. Localities must designate regulated feeding areas, while local bodies and market committees have been directed to improve food-waste disposal.
The District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer, Shillong Municipal Board and Dorbar Shnongs will jointly conduct sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination drives. Stray dogs must undergo medical evaluation before being given for adoption.
Health preparedness and police enforcement
The District Medical and Health Officer must ensure uninterrupted supplies of Anti-Rabies Vaccine and Rabies Immunoglobulin at designated health centres.
Health facilities must maintain records distinguishing between pet and stray dog bites. Pet dog-bite incidents must be reported immediately to the nearest police station.
Police have been authorised to intervene in cases involving aggressive, suspected rabid or uncontrolled dogs, provide security during mass vaccination and Animal Birth Control drives, and register suo motu FIRs against habitual offenders.
Pet dogs account for most bite cases
Official data shows that East Khasi Hills recorded 5,056 dog-bite cases in 2023, with 81 per cent in urban areas and 19 per cent in rural areas. Data on pet and stray dog bites was unavailable that year.
Cases rose to 7,489 in 2024, of which 73 per cent were urban and 27 per cent rural. Pet dogs caused 67 per cent of the bites and stray dogs 33 per cent.
In 2025, the district recorded 10,460 cases, with 69 per cent in urban areas and 31 per cent in rural areas. Pet dogs accounted for 80 per cent and stray dogs 20 per cent.
Between January and August 2026, 7,447 cases were reported—65 per cent in urban areas and 35 per cent in rural areas. Pet dogs caused 81 per cent of the bites, while stray dogs accounted for 19 per cent.
Mawlai recorded the highest number during this period at 180, followed by Mawlai Umjapung at 158, Lawsohtun at 131, Nongrah at 125, Umpling at 117, Laitumkhrah at 114 and Laban Beat House at 112. Nongmynsong reported 98 cases, Golflink 88 and Mawpat 86.
Officials said eliminating rabies would require community participation, responsible pet ownership and compliance with the directives.
Source: https://hubnetwork.in/east-khasi-hills-dc-issues-strict-directives-to-eliminate-rabies-by-2030/