Osun State Police Issue Warning to Dog Owners Amidst Rising Attacks
The Osun State Police Command has issued a stern warning to dog owners, urging them to confine their pets or face potential legal consequences.
According to SP Yemisi Opalola, the spokesperson of the command, this caution comes in response to the escalating incidents of dog attacks on individuals within the state. Opalola emphasized the necessity of this warning during a briefing with journalists.
In a statement released by the police command, Opalola highlighted that allowing dogs to roam freely without restraint constitutes a violation of the Dog Act Cap 35 Law of the Federation of Nigeria. She emphasized that under this law, any instance of a dog escaping and biting individuals outside of its owner’s premises is deemed an offence.
Furthermore, Opalola reiterated that dog owners are legally obligated to ensure their pets are vaccinated, adequately controlled, and not permitted to roam freely, posing a risk to passersby.
She said: “The command is using this medium to draw the attention of members of the public, especially those rearing or breeding dogs, especially exotic ones for guard/security purposes or otherwise, to the increasingly recent attacks on people by dogs. To this end, the Police Command encourages members of the public to restrain their dogs in cages/leashes in their houses with the aim of reducing attacks on people. They should further vaccinate these dogs in order to reduce the risk of contracting Rabies, which can be deadly if these dogs happen to bite individuals,” Opalola said
This warning underscores the authorities’ commitment to maintaining public safety and preventing further instances of dog-related injuries or attacks within Osun State. Dog owners are urged to comply with these regulations to avoid legal repercussions and contribute to a safer environment for all residents.
