Mizoram's Saitual bans dog imports amid rabies outbreak in neighbouring Manipur

Following reports of a rabies outbreak in Manipur's Churachandpur district, the district administration of Mizoram's Saitual banned the import of dogs on April 7.

The district shares its border with neighbouring Manipur.

An order issued by Saitual District Magistrate (DM) Lalngura Tlau said all dog rearers should administer rabies vaccines to their dogs and should not allow the animals to stray on the streets.

It said that there has been a rabies outbreak in the neighbouring Churachandpur district prompting the Saitual district administration to impose certain restrictions and rules under the existing country’s laws to ensure public safety.

The import of dogs from other states and countries into the district is banned, the order said, adding that people should report to the nearest animal husbandry and veterinary office immediately in case they spot any ailing or dead dog.

In case a dog bites anyone, its rearer will be punished with a six-month jail term or a fine up to Rs 5,000, the order said.

The order will be in effect for two months starting Monday.