SHILLONG:
The office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, on April 26, asked animal lovers to adopt indigenous breed of animals to reduce the challenges of strays.
An advisory was issued in this regard by the office for pet owners and caregivers of street dogs in the state.
Sterilization of pets is important if one is not comfortable with the repeated breeding cycles, said the advisory while reminding the importance of sterilization of stray dogs in managing the population in the state.
The advisory included guidelines such as reminding pet owners that owning a pet is a lifelong commitment and not to be taken as a casual interest or an impulse and that one should keep in mind lifestyle and home environment and economy one can provide.
While opting to keep pets, the advisory reminded animal lovers to keep only the numbers and kind of pets that one can afford emotionally, economically and time schedule one can afford.
The advisory also asked pet owners to have sufficient space according to the kinds of pets one is adopting and to provide proper shelter from cold, heat and rain while ensuring timely feeding and to provide enough water to their pets.
Proper training and adequate play time, along with proper cleaning and grooming sessions should be made mandatory.
Letting pets roam freely in public places should be avoided to prevent nuisance while adhering to local ordinances including licensing and leash requirements should be met by pet owners, said the advisory.
The advisory also encouraged pet owners to register and tag to ensure proper identification of pets.
Periodic checkup for normal health, deworming, vaccination should also be of utmost importance, said the advisory, adding that open defecation of pets should not be encouraged.
Socializing pets, ample exercise, proper and regular observation of their health status is remains crucial in order to take timely corrective measures, it said
People are also encouraged to follow proper garbage management system in dwelling areas to avoid attracting strays in the area.
With regard to taking care of strays, the advisory also instructs caregivers not to feed street dogs close to the residence of others. They are also advised to avoid feeding street dogs immediately adjacent to areas where children play or places which are crowded.
Caregivers are also advised to clean up the sites after feeding is finished and must be done in manner so as to avoid littering or dirtying the place.