J&K may bring electric ‘dog sticks’ under arms rules as authorities flag animal cruelty concerns and warn against their use on street dogs 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.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines“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.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’No Full Press Conference’: US Envoy Gor On India’s ‘No Questions’ Request Before Modi-Trump Meet‘Represented India In 3 Nations’: Former Envoy Flags ‘Trouble Establishing Citizenship’ During SIRJaish Rebuilds Bahawalpur Complex Struck By India During Op Sindoor’India Can Attract Global Talent With Your Help’: PM Modi Meets Space Startups On National Space DayDelhi Cops Attacked With Chilli Powder & Bricks In Mukundpur; 17-Year-Old Arrested‘Plan To Meet Vance, Mamdani’: Why MEA Denied Permission For Telangana CM Revanth Reddy’s US Trip?’No Problem When Boys Do It’: Rahul Gandhi’s Attack At PM Modi Over Jantar Mantar AbuseYoutuber Ajeet Bharti Lists 4 Big Demands At Jantar Mantar, Calls For Reservation Reform And MeritPM Modi Meets BJP’s New Team At Delhi HQ As Party Pushes Vande Mataram Legacy Nationwide‘48 Hours Or Sit-In’: Abhijeet Dipke Warns After CJP Team Allegedly Attacked Near Jaipur School123Photostories6 subtle signs you’re being taken for granted by your partner10 baby names inspired by Sanskrit words that signify success and prosperity5 signs you’re losing yourself while trying to save your relationshipThe slow fade: 5 signs someone you love is pulling away5 best hair colours for Indian skin tones that instantly brighten your lookWhy the Manipuri bride’s traditional Potloi is in a league of its ownBlood in urine during monsoon is not always a UTI: Doctor reveals when you should worryOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your secret weakness in loveHeart attack risk is not just about cholesterol: 7 warning factors doctors check that routine tests can missHina Khan recalls being brutally trolled over viral National Anthem video amid health struggles; Rubina Dilaik reveals her daughters received threats123Hot PicksTCS laptop monitoring softwareTNEA counselling3 year practice ruleCM Revanth ReddyWeather tomorrowNEET UG 2026US-Canada tradeSIM card rulesBank holiday todayTop TrendingMumbai Rape AirhostessReservation Hatao AndolanLucknow Double Murder SuicideMadhapur Road AccidentMaharashtra Hill TragedyAbhijeet DipkeJharkhand Factory FireRahul GandhiBengaluru RapidoAston Martin Crash
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.
