Good and bad news for dog lovers in Chandigarh; MC issues new laws: Key changes and regulations

The Chandigarh Administration has approved the revised pet and community dog bylaws aimed at improving public safety and animal welfare.

Ban on certain dog breeds

Six breeds banned due to aggressive nature:

American Bulldog, American Pitbull, Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino and Rottweiler.

Not retroactive — existing registered owners can keep their dogs.

Mandatory registration

Every dog must be registered with the Municipal Corporation (MC) once it is 4 months old.

Unregistered dogs will be considered in violation of the bylaws.

Penalties and fines

General violations: Rs 500.

Dog defecating in public: Rs 10,000 fine (treated as littering under solid waste bylaws).

Littering at feeding zones: Rs 10,000 fine.

Ill-treatment or cruelty: dogs can be seized, registration canceled, and legal proceedings initiated.

For the first time, fines will be added to water and property tax bills.

Limit on number of dogs per house

House size ---number of dogs allowed

Up to 5 marla     1 dog

10 marla    2 dogs

12 marla    3 dogs

1 kanal     4 dogs

Three-storey house      1 dog per floor

Owner responsibility

Owners are fully responsible for any injury or damage caused by their pets.

The MC will not bear liability in such cases.

Community & stray dog management

Designated feeding zones for stray dogs to be identified in consultation with Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs).

MC to ensure cleanliness and no littering at these spots.

Animal welfare enforcement

If there’s a complaint of cruelty or ill-treatment, MC teams will:

Visit the owner’s premises,

Record evidence,

Seize the dogs,

Cancel registration and

Initiate court proceedings under animal cruelty laws.