Now, owners liable to pay relief for dog bites in Chandigarh

Owners will be liable to pay compensation in case of dog bite or any damage to property caused by their pets. For better pet management and public safety, the Municipal Corporation (MC) House today approved the final draft of the “Pet and Community Dogs Bylaws 2025”.

Laying down stringent responsibilities for the dog owners, the bylaws also restrict access of dogs to several high-traffic and public spaces in the city, including Sukhna Lake, Rock Garden, Leisure Valley, Rose Garden, Fragrance Garden, Shantikunj, Terrace Garden, Mini Rose Garden, Shivalik Garden and any green belt of 20 acres or more.

Pet walking will be allowed in regular parks, with a strict requirement for owners to carry poop bags. Registration of pet dogs will also be mandatory and the number of dogs a house can have has also been restricted. A family in a five-marla house can keep only one pet dog. However, people living on first or second floors can also have one dog each. Similarly, houses measuring from six marla to 12 marla can keep two pets. A family living in a kanal house can have two dogs and one stray dog. The owners of two-kanal houses can have two pets and an equal number of stray dogs.

Under the new rules, all dogs must be leashed in public spaces, with ferocious breeds also required to wear muzzles. When walking aggressive dogs, the owners must carry a stick as an additional precaution. Failure to control a dog’s behaviour, including acts of aggression or damage, can lead to authorities seizing the pet and imposing penalties on the owner.

The bylaws prohibit the disposal of deceased pets in public bins or municipal areas, mandating cremation at authorised facilities or respectful private burials instead. The regulations maintain the existing ban on seven aggressive dog breeds, as per the 2023 Animal Birth Control Rules, and ban commercial dog breeding or trading within the city.

Additionally, the draft emphasises strict control over pet defecation in public, residential and common areas. Owners must clean up the space or ensure their pets relieve themselves in isolated locations.

The final draft was formulated through consultations involving the Joint Commissioner-I of MC, the Medical Officer of Health (who also serves as Secretary of the SPCA), and other key stakeholders. The comprehensive policy is aimed at striking a balance between animal welfare and public safety, ensuring responsible pet ownership in Chandigarh.

The bylaws now await approval from the Chandigarh Administration before they are formally implemented.