IAS Officer Attacked by Dog During Morning Walk in Chennai
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Uma Maheshwari, an IAS officer currently serving as the Additional Commissioner (LTU) in the Commercial Taxes Department, was bitten by a dog while out for a morning walk in Balaji Nagar, Royapettah, on Thursday. The incident occurred when a native breed dog, which was walking with its owner, suddenly broke free and attacked the officer as she walked with her husband.
Officer Receives Immediate Medical Care
Following the attack, Uma Maheshwari was quickly rushed to the Royapettah Government Hospital (GH), where she was given an anti-rabies vaccination as a precautionary measure. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of pedestrians and the management of pet animals in public spaces.
Police Complaint Filed Against Dog Owner
A police complaint has been lodged against the dog’s owner, identified as Suresh, at the Royapettah police station. This complaint will allow authorities to investigate the incident further and ensure that proper action is taken against the responsible party.
Dog’s Vaccination Status and Owner’s Negligence
J Kamal Hussain, a veterinary officer with the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), confirmed that the dog involved in the attack had been vaccinated against rabies. However, it was found that the dog’s owner, Suresh, did not have a valid pet license. As a result, the GCC has issued a warning notice to Suresh, directing him to obtain the necessary license and follow all pet ownership guidelines.
Public Safety and New Pet Regulations
Hussain also highlighted an important rule that is often ignored by pet owners: all pet dogs must be kept on a leash when in public areas. Despite this regulation, many dog owners still fail to comply. Currently, there is no penalty or provision for the seizure of dogs involved in such incidents, but stricter measures are being considered.
The GCC is planning to introduce new regulations, including microchipping of pet dogs, to ensure better tracking and accountability. Additionally, penalties for not following pet ownership guidelines are expected to be introduced soon.
