J&K govt warns against buying shock-emitting ‘dog sticks’, cites arms law | India News
SRINAGAR: Electronically operated, shock-delivering “dog sticks” advertised online as protection against street dogs may be brought under the ambit of J&K Arms Rules, 2016, the govt has announced as such devices come under scrutiny for alleged violations of laws against animal cruelty.In a statement issued late Saturday, J&K’s housing and urban development department (HUDD) cautioned that electric shock guns, stun devices, electric prods or similar devices should not be used for stray animals as they inflict unnecessary pain on them and contravene Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.The advisory has been triggered by the online ads about such “dog sticks” from “M/s Gambs Enterprises”, a Pulwama private firm. The department said it was examining the legal classification of such devices, the authority under which they are sold and their intended use.“All dog catchers, agencies, contractors, animal welfare organisations, municipal bodies and the public are advised not to procure or use electric shock devices for catching, restraining or handling street dogs,” the statement reads. CM Omar Abdullah handles the department. HUDD secretary Mandeep Kour was not available for comment.The statement says specific licences are required under Section 5 of Arms Rules for sale, transfer or possession of “prescribed classes of arms”, adding not having such documents amount to violations.
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“The Arms Rules, 2016 specifically regulate Electronic Disabling Devices (EDDs). Depending upon their statutory classification and specifications, such devices may fall within the restricted or permissible arms categories, and Rule 89(3) provides that EDDs shall be sold only through authorised arms and ammunition dealers holding the requisite licence,” the statement says.J&K recorded over 2 lakh dog-bite cases in the past two years — 1.2 lakh in Jammu and around 80,000 in the Valley. In Jammu district alone, 33,065 cases were reported in 2024 and 43,759 in 2025, taking its two-year total to 76,824. Srinagar had 12,557 cases in 2024 and 12,592 in 2025. A Srinagar municipal corporation survey in 2023 estimated the number of stray dogs at 64,416.
