In Chandigarh, you can keep 4 dogs in a kanal house, only 1 if you have a house up to 5 marlas

The Chandigarh administration has approved the revised pet and community dog bylaws.

The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation sent the draft bylaws to the administration in May this year after receiving objections and suggestions from the public and approval from the general house.

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

Ban on 6 dog breeds, Rs 10K penalty on cards in Chandigarh

In a bid to enhance public safety, the MC has banned six dog breeds deemed aggressive: American Bulldog, American Pitbull, Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino and Rottweiler.

However, the ban does not apply retroactively.

Owners who had already registered these breeds with the MC before the bylaws came into effect are exempted.

The MC will impose a penalty of Rs 500 for different violations of the dog bylaws. Owner to pay a Rs 10,000 fine if dogs are found defecating in a public place.

The MC will consider defecation by dogs as littering in public places and will impose the same amount of penalty as is imposed for littering in public places under solid waste management bylaws.

For the first time, it has also been decided to add penalty charges for different violations of the dog bylaws in the water and property tax bills. Designated feeding zones for stray dogs will be identified with the consultation of the Residents Welfare Associations.

It will also ensure that no littering takes place at the feeding spots. People will be challaned Rs 10,000 if littering is found at the places.

As per the bylaws, if the MC receives any complaint regarding the ill-treatment of dogs in a house, then the team will visit the owners' house, record the evidence, and seize the pet dogs. The registration will also be canceled. The proceedings under the law will also be started in court for cruelty against the animals besides imposing fines as per the bylaws.

It is mandatory for dog owners to register each pet at the Municipal Corporation office once the canine is four months old.

Dog owners are solely responsible for any injury or damage caused by their pets. The MC will not bear any liability.

The number of dogs has also been fixed according to the size of the house: up to a 5 marla house, one dog; if three floors, one dog on each floor; for a 10 marla house, 2 dogs; for a 12 marla house, 3 dogs; and for a 1 kanal house, 4 dogs. The bylaws have also incorporated directives from the Supreme Court's August ruling on stray dog management.