USE OF DOGS AND OTHER PETS AT POLLING UNITS IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE, AND THEY ARE CONDEMNABLE – NIGERIA POLICE
By People’s Voice Nigeria | News
The Nigeria Police Force has deemed it necessary to educate and caution Nigerians on the use of pets, especially dogs, at the polling units on election day, as such an act runs contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, as amended.
The provision of Section 126 (1) of the Electoral Act of 2022 explains 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 classified as offensive weapons as their owners and 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, discouraged, and remain an act of electoral infraction as they will cause harassment and intimidation.
The Nigeria Police Force, therefore, warns those who intend to display their pets, specifically dogs, for whatever purpose at the polling units to desist, as such conduct constitutes a violation of the Electoral Act, 2022, as amended, and other existing laws.
