Key Points:
- ‘Life Imprisonment’ for Repeat Biters: The Yogi Adityanath government has mandated that any dog biting a person for a second time will be permanently confined to an Animal Birth Control (ABC) Center.
- First Strike Protocol: After a first bite, a dog will be observed for 10 days at an ABC Center, treated, vaccinated, and implanted with a microchip for monitoring before release.
- Three-Member Investigation: A second biting incident will trigger an investigation by a three-member panel to determine if the dog was provoked before the “life sentence” is confirmed.
- Comprehensive Guidelines: This rule is part of a broader new policy for stray dog management in Uttar Pradesh, which also includes designated feeding zones and conflict resolution committees.
- Context: The move comes amid a nationwide debate on managing stray dogs, following a recent and controversial Supreme Court order concerning dogs in the Delhi-NCR region.
Lucknow: In response to a surge in dog bite incidents across Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi Adityanath government has introduced a strict “two-strikes” policy that sentences dogs involved in a second biting incident to ‘life imprisonment’ in an animal shelter. This decisive step is part of a new, comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at balancing public safety with animal welfare.
The “Two-Strikes” Policy Explained
The new order, detailed by Amrit Abhijat, Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department, establishes a clear protocol for handling aggressive dogs.
- First Offense: When a dog bites a person for the first time, it will be captured and placed under a 10-day observation period at an Animal Birth Control (ABC) Center. During this time, the dog will receive necessary treatment and anti-rabies vaccinations. Before its release, it will be implanted with a microchip to allow for continuous monitoring of its behavior and activities.
- Second Offense: If the same microchipped dog is reported to have bitten another person, it will trigger a formal investigation. A three-member committee, comprising a livestock officer, a local body representative, and a member of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), will examine the incident. The panel’s primary role is to determine if the dog’s attack was unprovoked.
If the investigation confirms the dog’s aggressive nature, it will be returned to the ABC Center for lifelong confinement. The only condition for its release would be if an individual officially adopts it through proper channels. To initiate this process, the victim of the bite must provide a treatment certificate from a government hospital, after which the municipal corporation’s livestock team will capture the dog.
Part of a Broader Stray Dog Management Strategy
This punitive measure is a component of a much larger, updated policy on stray dog management rolled out by the state government, aligning with the national Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. The broader guidelines aim to create a more structured and humane approach to the issue:
- Designated Feeding Zones: Municipal bodies are now required to establish designated feeding areas for stray dogs, ensuring they are located away from children’s parks, schools, and areas frequented by senior citizens.
- Conflict Resolution: A formal committee will be formed to resolve disputes between Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and animal caregivers over feeding points and practices.
- Community Participation: The policy encourages community participation in sterilization and vaccination drives, with legal protections for registered feeders who comply with the rules.
Principal Secretary Amrit Abhijat stated, “Dog bites remain a critical public health concern, and these updated guidelines ensure a humane yet effective management of stray dogs. By designating safe feeding zones… we aim to protect vulnerable groups like children and seniors while upholding animal welfare”.
National Context and Supreme Court Orders
The UP government’s new law comes at a time when the issue of stray dogs is under national scrutiny. Just weeks ago, on August 11, 2025, a Supreme Court bench took suo motu cognizance of the “menace” in Delhi-NCR and ordered the immediate removal of stray dogs to shelters, a decision that sparked significant backlash from animal welfare advocates and was later referred to a larger bench for reconsideration. The Yogi administration’s policy, while strict, offers a more structured, multi-step process compared to the initial sweeping order from the apex court.
