Chandigarh MC lacks bite to put a leash on pet dogs

The Chandigarh Registration of Pet Dogs Bylaws - 2010 came into force six years back, but the authorities have made little effort to implement them. There is a provision of penalty for violation of bylaws under clause 14.

Despite the municipal corporation’s several stern warnings to city residents to register their pet dogs, only 6,300 have been registered out of nearly 15,000 dogs in the past eight years. That is around 42% registration.

Out of 15,000 pet dogs in city, only 6,300 have been registered by their owners in eight years.(HT Photo)

Guidelines under dog bylaws 

Registration of every pet dog is a must 

Only two dogs are allowed per family 

Pet animals cannot be taken to Sukhna Lake or any public garden being maintained by the MC 

Pet dogs should not be allowed to defecate in public places 

Owners need to ensure that a collar affixed with a metal token issued by the registration authority is tied in their pet’s neck 

Owners have to hand over dead pets to the MC for burial 

All ferocious dogs should be muzzled and a stick has to be carried by the escort accompanying the dog while taking them out. 

Meanwhile, the municipal corporation (MC) has been receiving nearly 200 cases of pet dog bites every month and 300 complaints of dog bylaws violation every month, still only 69 people had been challaned in the past one year. 

Saurav Mishra, MC additional commissioner, said, “We will intensify the drive and will also organise various camps for registration of dogs. If still, they will not register, action will be initiated.  Davesh Moudgil, mayor, said, “I will hold a meeting with the concerned officers on this soon.”

The Chandigarh Registration of Pet Dogs Bylaws - 2010 came into force six years back, but the authorities have made little effort to implement them. There is a provision of penalty for violation of bylaws under clause 14.  

The records of Sector-19 civil veterinary dispensary — anti-rabies clinic in the city — reveals on an average 180 to 200 pet dogs’ bite cases are reported every month. The bylaws state that a dog owner must not allow the dog to defecate in public places such as residential areas, green belts, streets, roads, road berms and other common places. In case a dog defecates at these places, the owner shall arrange to get the dog’s excreta removed. 

Penalty enhanced by 11 times, but no challan yet It was in September last year, when the civic body increased the amount from Rs 500 to Rs 5,500, if a dog defecates in public place, but in the past five months not even a single dog owner has been challaned despite several complaints. 

How to get your pet registered 

It is mandatory for dog owners to register each pet at the MC dog cell, once the canine is four months old. Two photographs of the dog have to be pasted on the form with the details of its age, colour, breed and vaccination certificate from a veterinary practitioner duly registered with Indian Veterinary Council (IVC) or State Veterinary Council. The registration is done at the office of medical officer of health in Sector 17 and Rs 200 is charged as fee. The owner gets a brass token in return, which is to be fixed around the dog’s neck. 

In case of violation 

In case a pet dog owner fails to get their dog registered, he or she can be punished with a fine of up to Rs 500. If the dog is still not registered, owner is fined Rs 20 daily for seven days. After this, the dog is detained and the owner has to pay maintenance charges of Rs 100 per day to claim the dog. If the dog is not claimed within seven days, the MC can sell it.