Chandigarh MC tightens leash on dog owners, violators to face hefty fines

Chandigarh residents, beware! Keeping a pet or feeding a community dog without following the rules could soon put a serious bite on your wallet.

The draft “Municipal Corporation Chandigarh Pet and Community Dog Bye-Laws-2023” is set to bring sweeping changes to pet ownership and community dog management.

Among other things, it introduces strict new regulations and penalties that go up to Rs 10,000—nearly 200 times higher than the existing fines. The rules also have provisions for open sale of a seized dog.

The draft, approved by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, aims to leash the problem of irresponsible pet ownership while ensuring safety and hygiene across the city. It has been uploaded on the corporation’s website and the general public can submit suggestions and objections within 30 days.

The draft says the owners are required to register their pet dogs with the Municipal Corporation, pay a fee of Rs 500 per dog, and submit a prescribed undertaking.

The number of dogs per household has also been capped—homes on plots up to one kanal can keep a maximum of four dogs, with at least two being adopted Mongrel/Indie breeds. Larger households with multiple families residing on different floors can have up to six dogs, with the same adoption rule in place.

“If any family keeps more than two dogs, the extras must be adopted Mongrel/Indie dog,” the draft says. The move is seen as an effort to curb unchecked breeding while promoting the adoption of stray dogs.

The bylaws also introduce strict leash and muzzle regulations for pet owners. All dogs must be kept on a leash not exceeding 1.5 to 2 meters while outside. For aggressive or ferocious breeds, additional precautions are mandatory—dogs must be muzzled, and their escorts must carry a stick.

Owners must also ensure aggressive dogs undergo training with registered trainers. Non-compliance could lead to heavy fines and even the seizure of the pet.

In a bid to maintain public hygiene, the draft bans pet dogs from several popular public spaces and green belts, including Sukhna Lake, Rose Garden, Rock Garden, Leisure Valley and Shanti Kunj. The Commissioner may notify additional restricted areas as necessary.

A major clause in the draft tackles the issue of dangerous dog breeds. The bylaws propose a ban on several breeds deemed aggressive, including the American Bulldog, Pit Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Rottweiler, and their crossbreeds. However, owners who have already registered these breeds before the notification of the bylaws will be exempt. Breeding or keeping these dogs once the bylaws come into effect will result in immediate seizure and penalties.

For pet owners, accountability does not stop at registrations and breed restrictions. If a pet dog bites or causes harm, the owner will be held fully responsible and must compensate the victim. The dog will also have to undergo behavioral training.

To further tighten enforcement, penalties for violations have been significantly increased, ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 10,000. Repeat offenders will be fined cumulatively, with an additional Rs 200 per day for up to ten days.

If a seized dog is not claimed within seven days or violations continue beyond ten days, the pet’s registration will be cancelled, and the dog will be put up for adoption or sale through registered NGOs. Owners reclaiming their pets must also pay Rs 200 per day as maintenance charges.

The bylaws also address the contentious issue of community dog feeding, requiring Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Market Welfare Associations (MWAs) to designate specific feeding zones in consultation with area councilors and the registration authority. The feeding areas must be away from spaces frequented by children, pedestrians, and dog walkers to prevent conflicts.

Feeding community dogs outside designated areas will be an offence, punishable under the Indian Penal Code or other relevant laws. Caregivers and occasional feeders must ensure cleanliness and avoid littering while feeding.

Dog owners must prevent their pets from defecating in public places like parks, streets, and residential areas. If a dog defecates in such spaces, the owner or walker must clean up using a poop bag and dispose of the waste properly. Failure to do so will result in a penalty. Owners should ensure their dogs relieve themselves in isolated areas away from public spaces and residences to avoid causing annoyance.

The draft also mandates the hygienic disposal of dead dogs, requiring burial at a depth of at least three feet with lime and salt. This applies to both pet and community dogs.