Rokiah Mahmud
Dog owners must register their pets before February 1.
Failure to comply will result in a fine or imprisonment, a Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) release stated yesterday.
The ministry added that it applies to dogs aged three months and above. The licence can be obtained at the payment counters of the Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) Municipal Department, Kuala Belait and Seri Municipal Department, and Tutong Municipal Department.
The counter will be open from 8am to noon and 1.30pm to 3pm Monday to Thursday and from 7.45am to 10am on Saturday.
Under Section 4, Chapter 60 of the Dogs Act, it is an offence to own an unregistered canine pet. If found guilty, the owner can be slapped with a BND250 fine or face 14 days of imprisonment for the first offence, and a BND500 fine or one month’s imprisonment for the second and subsequent offences.
The MoHA said registered dogs should have a tag around the neck at all times. Failure to comply will result in a BND250 fine or one month imprisonment under Section 5(1), Chapter 60 of the Dogs Act.
Dog owners shall hold full responsibility for their pets and should keep the dogs in the home compound either in a cage or on a leash.
For information on registration, the public can contact the BSB Municipal Department at 2232426 extension 303, Kuala Belait and Seria Municipal Department at 3335567/3347495 and Tutong Municipal Department at 4221009/8282965.
