Mizoram’s Saitual District Bans Dog Imports Amid Rabies Outbreak in Manipur’s Churachandpur
Aizawl: In response to a reported rabies outbreak in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, the administration of Mizoram’s Saitual district has imposed a ban on the import of dogs, effective from April 7. The directive, issued by District Magistrate Lalngura Tlau, aims to safeguard public health as Saitual shares a border with the affected Manipur district.
The order mandates that all dog owners in Saitual must ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies and must prevent them from straying in public spaces. The administration has invoked existing legal provisions to introduce stringent preventive measures following the outbreak in the neighbouring state.
As per the order, the import of dogs from other states and countries into Saitual is strictly prohibited during this period. Residents have been urged to report any sightings of sick or dead dogs to the nearest animal husbandry and veterinary office without delay.
In an effort to enforce accountability, the administration also warned that dog owners will face a six-month jail term or a fine of up to Rs 5,000 if their pet bites a person. The ban and related directives will remain in force for two months from the date of implementation.
The move reflects growing concern over cross-border disease transmission and highlights the district’s proactive stance in containing potential public health threats.