Use Of Dogs, Other Pets At Polling Units Criminal — Police

The Force Headquarters has cautioned Nigerians on the use of pets, especially, dogs at the polling units.

The police said such act runs contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 as amended.

According to a statement on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the provision of Section 126 (1) of the Electoral Act. 2022, explained clearly those actions exhibited by electorates that constitute electoral breaches and are punishable under the law, and: “paragraph (f) mentions possession of weapons calculated to intimidate voters and electoral officers.

Dogs could be classed as offensive weapons as their owners/handlers can use them to intimidate, harass and cause assault and bodily harm to others. The Dogs Act, CAP 55 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1958 as domesticated in various States, and other Criminal Laws in Nigeria are trite.

“The conceived ideas and plans by certain individuals, electorates, and groups of people to go to the polls accompanied by pets are unacceptable, stand discouraged, and remain an act of electoral infraction as it will cause harassment and intimidation.

“The Nigeria Police Force, therefore, warns those who intend to display their pets, dogs specifically, for whatever purpose, at the polling units, to desist as such constitutes a violation of the electoral Act, 2022, as amended, and other extant laws.”