After social media outcry, Nagaland govt bans dog meat & its trade

Kohima: In a  surprising  move, the government of Nagaland has banned dog meat in the state, reportedly, after a letter written months back by BJP MP Maneka Gandhi and former Union Minister, and considering the dangers of importing dogs from other states for consumption and also in line with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960

According to Minister for Planning & Coordination and Parliamentary Affairs Neiba Kronu, who is also the Government spokesperson, decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the Nagaland Cabinet held yesterday, where the Government of Nagaland has banned the commercial import and trading of dogs and dog meat as well as the sale of dog meat ? both cooked and uncooked with immediate effect till further notice. 

Kronu informed the State Cabinet decided to impose ban on commercial import and trading of dogs in the markets.

The Cabinet decision comes in the wake of a complaint letter regarding the illegal consumption of dog meat and its trade in markets across Nagaland from the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organizations (FOIAPO) addressed to Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Chief Secretary Temjen Toy, Director General of Police T. John Longkumer and the Health Department on Thursday. 

But the decision of the State Government to ban dog meat has come as a surprise to the people with a question whether the country is heading for "One Nation, One Food."

Nagaland Chief Secretary Temjen Toy, in a tweet, also appreciated the decision taken by the State Cabinet on banning dog meat in the State.

Meanwhile, Mokokchung police has filed a suo-moto case at Mangkolemba Police Station over reports about a shoot-at-sight incident of a dog that reportedly took place at Changki village of the district. 

In a press note, Superintendent of Police (SP) Mokokchung Vishal said police arrested those involved in the alleged shooting incident. 

The SP said it was a clear violation of the Deputy Commissioner's order that warned of legal action against any village authorities, wards, individuals or group acting in contravention to Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act. 

The SP also disclosed a 12 Bore SSBL was used to shoot the dog and an arm and the empty shell were seized and under police custody for further investigation. (UNI)