Up to 2 Years in Prison Proposed for Endangering Human Life Through Pet Animals
The Parliament of Pakistan has moved to tighten laws against negligent pet owners, with the Senate approving a bill that makes harm caused to citizens by pet animals a non-bailable offence.
Under the Senate-approved amendment, pet owners will now be held legally responsible if their dogs or other animals injure members of the public. Senator Fauzia Arshad presented the Criminal Laws Amendment Bill 2023 in the Senate, where it was passed unanimously. The amendment introduces major changes to Section 289 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
According to the revised law, anyone whose animal endangers human life could face one to two years in prison. Deliberate negligence may result in a fine of up to Rs200,000, while general carelessness could lead to a Rs100,000 penalty.
The legislation aims to ensure that pet owners properly supervise and control their animals to prevent threats to public safety. Senator Fauzia Arshad said the growing number of pet attack incidents across the country made the legislation necessary.
Recently, several incidents involving aggressive pet dogs have triggered concern across Pakistan, particularly in major cities where citizens, including children and elderly people, were injured after being attacked by unleashed or poorly controlled animals. Many of these cases triggered criticism over the absence of strict laws holding pet owners accountable, prompting calls for tougher penalties and better enforcement to ensure public safety.
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